v9n43 - The Chick Issue

Home of blues, jazz, bluegrass and something or ‘nother

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jacksonian

VOL.

9 N O . 43

contents COURTESY JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

RACHEL BUSH

6 School Book Woes Has the Jackson Public Schools budget for next year included enough funds for textbooks?

COURTESY BYRAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

Photograph of Sandy Middleton by Rachel Bush, design by Christy Dawson

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THIS ISSUE: ............. Editor’s Note

L

COURTESY ZAC HARMON

ben ellard

ast week Ben Ellard assisted a victim through the court system so she could get a protective order against her abusive husband. The woman’s spouse had prevented her from having her cell phone, car or friends.

“She was being controlled by her husband. She was like an object. … If she tried to do something that wasn’t to his liking, there was a violent situation that occurred. She dealt with it for a long time, but we gave her an opportunity to get out,” Ellard says.

At the Center for Violence Prevention, Ellard navigates abuse victims through the court system. He also coordinates the center’s Batterers’ Intervention Program, a court-ordered program for abusers based on the Duluth Model that breaks the cycle of violence.

The 25-year-old Kosciusko native decided to join the family business. His mother, Sandy Middleton, is executive director of the CVP. The center provides resources and assistance to domestic violence such as a 24-hour help line, counseling and referral services. In 2009, the Jackson Free Press Chick Ball helped raise seed money to start the intervention program in four of the 10 counties the center serves: Copiah, Rankin, Hinds and Yazoo. Ellard also coordinates a Batterers Intervention Program for female abusers.

Ellard moved to Brandon when he was a teenager and graduated from Brandon High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in

hospitality and restaurant management from the University of Mississippi in 2008. After a short stint managing a McAlister’s Deli, he started working at the CVP in June 2010, and he now lives back in Brandon.

The mild-mannered redhead never planned to work on domestic-violence issues, but wanted an opportunity to do meaningful work.

Since starting his position, he has learned how to decipher legal terms and has gained a better understanding of the legal system’s role in preventing domestic abuse.

One of the most rewarding parts of his job is watching victims transform as they walk away from an abusive situation. “It’s a weight off their shoulders. They are happier, and you see them start to come into their selves.”

Ellard also understands the abuser’s point of view and assists them through the six-month program. He says that the majority of the men in the program are continuing cycles of abuse they witnessed in their own families growing up. The program helps them gain awareness about the root causes of their actions.

At first, abusers typically are in denial that they have a problem, Ellard says.

“We have facilitators that lead them away from that, so they can focus on themselves and not try to blame everything,” he says. “As they go through the class, they gain knowledge, and we help them try to improve themselves.”

—Lacey McLaughlin

38 Native Blue XM Radio’s Best New Blues Artist Zac Harmon comes home to Jackson for a concert at JSU. MEREDITH NORWOOD

4 ................... Slowpoke 6 .......................... Talks 10 .................. Editorial 10 .................... Stiggers 10 ........................ Zuga 11 .................. Opinion 20 ... Chick Gift Guide 34 ............... Diversions 36 ..................... 8 Days 37 .............. JFP Events 38 ....................... Music 39 ......... Music Listings 41 ................. Astrology 42 ......................... Food 46 ............ Fly Shopping

Byram’s Sgt. Reginald Cooper is a demonstration of what it takes to end domestic violence.

46 Chick Shine You have the perfect Chick Ball dress, right? Don’t forget the perfect shoes and accessories.

jacksonfreepress.com

4

Our Hero

3

editor’snote

Ronni Mott Ronni Mott came to Jackson by way of D.C. in 1997. She’s an award-winning writer and the JFP’s managing editor, where she practices her hobbies of herding cats and curmudgeonliness. She teaches yoga in her spare time.

She wrote the cover story.

ShaWanda Jacome Assistant to the editor ShaWanda Jacome is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a Christ-follower. She is learning to “be still and to let God be God” (Psalm 46:10). She coordinated the Chick Ball and Chick Ball features in this issue.

Rachel Bush From Jackson originally, Rachel Bush is a graphic design intern.

She is completing her double major in graphic design and photography at Delta State University. She photographed and helped design the cover image, and laid out many pages.

Christy Dawson Graphic design Intern Christy Dawson is a native Mississippian.

She enjoys travel and good food.

This summer she is attempting to make a T-shirt quilt. She helped design the cover, photographed the silent auction guide, and helped design ads.

LaShanda Phillips Editorial assistant LaShanda Phillips is a recent graduate of Jackson State University. She is the third oldest of seven children.

Her motto is: “Make-up is fantastic!” She wrote a Chicks We Love profile and helped coordinate the Chick Ball.

Dustin Cardon Editorial intern Dustin Cardon is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi from Brandon. An English major, he enjoys reading fantasy novels and wants to write them himself one day. He wrote the piece on Sgt. Reginald Cooper.

Sadaaf Mamoon Sadaaf Mamoon is a rising senior at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. She loves film scores, Greek mythology, and naming inanimate objects. Her spirit animal is a Pink Fairy Armadillo.

She wrote two Chick We Love profiles.

July 5 - 12, 2011

Sandra Benic

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Sales and public relations intern Sandra Benic is a senior at Millsaps College majoring in communications. When not interning, she’s planning the fantasy life she’ll be living after graduation. She helped gather Chick Ball donations.

by Donna Ladd, Editor-in-Chief

Crossing the Street

O

ne night when I was a teenager, a terrified woman showed up at our front door. “Help me,” she begged, crying and looking over her shoulder toward the house across the street. “He is angry. He is beating me. He might kill me.”

He was her husband, and he happened to be my cousin. We weren’t especially close, but the couple happened to move in across the street in our subdivision. She had also taught me math, and was rather brilliant at it, instilling in me an appreciation for math (and logic) that has never left me. But even in the classroom, she always looked ready to bolt out of the room; she was nervous and fidgety, delicate and feminine and breakable.

When she banged on the door, I looked at her tear-stained face and felt like I understood why she always looked a little scared.

Thinking about her this morning, I can’t remember what my mother did, or if we helped her in any significant way. I was probably shooed back into my room.

But I still remember her face and her telling me that my cousin might kill her. I also remember instantly understanding that she was desperate and had no real place to turn.

I remember instances when my mother tried to manage one of my dads on a drunken rampage that could end up hurting one of us.

I remember one of those dads, my stepfather, telling me how his own father had abused him. I remember feeling trapped myself in a relationship with an explosive man. I remember limping on a sprained ankle for weeks after he pushed me backward through a closet door during one of his rages.

I remember fearing all of those men at times. I also remember loving the men who did those things to me and to my mother.

I also remember being raped by a fellow high-schooler and knowing that no one would believe me if I tried to do anything about it. So I didn’t, carrying the memory of being pinned down, my screams muffled by his hand over my mouth, inside me for years after I fled the state, only finding catharsis after I wrote about it years later in a faraway northern city.

My memories don’t stop there. I vividly recall growing up in a state, and in a nation, where the ignorant responses to domestic abuse, or sexual assault, have way too often been: “Why won’t she leave?” “She probably asked for it.” “Look at the way she dresses.” Or the worst possible one: “Well, boys will be boys.”

Now that I’ve come to terms with the abuse in my family and life, forgiving my very-broken daddies and then later myself for trusting a rapist, I am able to step back and acknowledge that we have a much larger problem than a few, or even many, abusive males in too many of our lives. (Yes, women abuse, too, but not nearly as often as men.)

As with many crimes, we have a societal problem. Too many people want to stay across the street and point to the evil over there somewhere. And what can we do about it anyway, they ask. She won’t leave him anyway, blah,

blah. Many go even further: blaming her for causing it in the first place whether because she “nagged” him too much or because she dared to look sexy in public. They are men, you know. And some even cite the Bible as an excuse, as if a God we’d want to worship would condone such evil actions.

This societal whitewashing of serious crimes—that are about power, experts tell us—is a huge reason they are such an epidemic in our state and beyond. Broken men, many of them abuse victims themselves, aren’t stopped by those who love them, and often they are egged on (or pardoned later on; ahem, Gov. Barbour). And then, as you’ll read in Ronni Mott’s cover story this week (starts page 12), even those charged with pursuing criminals and making our world safer too often blame the victim equally for what happens to her.

When good people do nothing, we create a perception that these kinds of crimes are here to stay, that they are OK, that they are impossible to stop. We also send the worst kind of message about men when we fear speaking up about abuse: We make it sound like all men are abusers when, in fact, abusers are abusers.

And everyone, of both genders, is a victim of these abuse cycles.

The good news is that, these days, research is showing us how to change these abuse cycles, and hero-experts like Sandy Middleton, profiled in Ronni’s story, are teaching and advocating systemic change. We now know how to stop a man or a woman from becoming a really violent batterer if we can catch it quickly enough and get them into a batterer’s intervention program. But the key there is: catch it quickly enough. That means not waiting until he has sent her to the hospital; it means reaching out to your loved ones before it gets that

bad so that you can save lives and families. It means listening and believing when a victim tells you about abuse or shows physical signs of it. And it means taking crimes against women as seriously as any other kind.

It also means doing your part to change societal views of domestic and sexual abuse.

Challenge any uninformed statement about abuse (the answer to “why does she stay?” is “because he is most likely to kill her when she leaves”). And never degrade the male gender with a statement like “boys will be boys.”

It is a tough row to hoe, though. I gave a talk a few years back at Jackson State to a group of male and female college students about rape.

An alarming number of both genders had the attitude that certain women “asked for it” by the way she dressed or acted. Society had lied to them, telling them that males shouldn’t be expected to control their urges. So, the reasoning went, he couldn’t be blamed for what he couldn’t keep himself from doing.

Folks, these kids didn’t teach themselves this. And their parents didn’t teach them that.

Our society did, with our belittling and degrading approach to blaming women who are victims of abuse and rape. Don’t be fooled or try to fool on this one: Abuse and assault are problems in every community and every neighborhood. You can’t blame rap or country music or television for it.

If you’re tempted to blame anyone, take a look in the mirror instead and ask: “What can I do to make our society safer for women and families? How can I help break the cycle of abuse?”

The answer may be as simple as crossing the street.

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news, culture & irreverence

Thursday, June 30 Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Lonnie Edwards announces that he will return to Atlanta when his JPS contract expires. … MSNBC suspends political analyst Mark Halperin for his explicit on-air comments about President Barack Obama.

Friday, July 1 Jayne Sargent begins her term as Jackson Public Schools interim superintendent. … Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi threatens to carry out attacks in Europe unless NATO stops airstrikes against his regime.

Saturday, July 2 Thousands of protesters flock to Atlanta’s state capitol to protest an anti-immigration bill that authorizes police to arrest anyone they suspect of being in the country without proper immigration paperwork and makes illegal the hiring of or renting property to an unauthorized immigrant. …

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Mississippi NAACP host a voter registration drive to commemorate the birthday of slain civil-rights activist Medgar Evers.

July 5 - 12, 2011

Monday, July 4 Americans celebrate the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. … The Mississippi Highway Patrol announces it has made more than 200 DUI arrests over the holiday weekend.

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Tuesday, July 5 Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood files a motion asking the U.S. District Court to dismiss the city of Canton’s lawsuit against Nissan. … The World Trade Organization says China violated global rules by restricting exports of raw materials used in high-technology products.

Get daily news updates at jfpdaily.com.

JPS Budget Blunders, New Leadership board announced in January that it would not renew his contract for the next school year. His hearing started in March and ended last month.

The board was waiting on a summary from Edwards’ hearing, and had not voted on whether to renew his contract, which expired June 30. An hour later, the board emerged and announced that former JPS Superintendent Jayne Sargent would assume Edwards’ position until they decided on a permanent leader for the district.

Although he had not rescinded his appeal, EdDr. Jayne Sargent began her position as Jackson Public Schools interim superintendent July 1. wards appeared to gracefully bow out June 29, when he offered well wishes to the ith all the attention surrounding school district and announced that he would Superintendent Lonnie Edwards’ return to his home in Atlanta. departure from Jackson Public While the district will not lay off teachSchools last week, one could be for- ers or request a tax increase from the city, given for missing the district’s budget passage Edwards leaves JPS with a budget full of unfor the 2011-2012 school year. knowns. The district passed a $205.4 million After approving a budget for the next budget for fiscal year 2011. Last year’s budget fiscal year, which started July 1, school board was $270 million, 12 percent smaller than members met behind closed doors on June the previous year. The district is waiting on 27 in executive session to discuss the district’s $5.8 million in federal funds, which have been superintendent. Edwards appealed when the included in its expected revenues.

W

by Lacey McLaughlin

On June 28, The Clarion-Ledger reported that the district faced an $18 million shortfall for the 2011/2012 school year. Later that day, JPS released a statement claiming that the article contained “major inaccuracies” about the shortfall amount, and the Ledger had since corrected the story on its website.

The district maintained that it expects to receive $7 million from city and state revenues and has $12 million in reserves to cover any shortfalls and, therefore, did not face an $18 million shortfall.

“We are optimistic that all requested revenues will be received,” the release stated.

Board members and JPS spokeswoman Peggy Hampton referred questions about the smaller budget to JPS Chief Financial Officer Sharolyn Miller, who is on vacation until July 11. Parents for Public Schools Executive Director Susan Womack said her organization was in the process of reviewing the budget and could not make a statement, yet.

JPS board member Otha Burton, who was up for reconfirmation July 5, told district officials last week that there was simply not enough time for board members to thoroughly review the budget prior to voting.

“I do not want to see this process evolve the way it did the past couple of years,” Burton said during the June 27 meeting to school board members and district employees. “We have several budgets to review, which is a lot. ... This board needs time to review each budJPS see page 7

and want to be like when we grow up.

achieve ment

“If we are all about impacting student achievement and making sure that our students have what they should need, then textbooks and educational material should be looked at with that in mind.” —Jackson Public Schools Board member Linda Rush during a June 27 board meeting about her concern about the district’s small budget for textbooks.

Hazel Brannon Smith Eudora Welty Fannie Lou Hamer Evelyn Gandy Elizabeth Lee Hazen Margaret Walker Alexander Oprah Winfrey Tracie Barnhart-Otto Sandra Polanski Carrie Kizek Lola Williamson Myrlie Evers Darby Ray Melody Moody Elizabeth Lee Hazen Ida B. Wells Mary Craig Kimbrough Sinclair

ALAN LIGHT

Sunday, July 3 Jackson businessman Stuart Irby is released from the Madison County Detention Center after serving a 48-hour sentence for a driving-under-the-influence charge he received earlier this year. … Mary Margaret Roark of Cleveland, Miss., wins the title of Miss Mississippi.

Experts estimate that only about half of all domestic abuse is reported to police, mainly due to intimidation by abusers and lack of resources for victims.

COURTESY JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Wednesday, June 29 Gov. Haley Barbour joins former President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago. …. President Barack Obama nominates Jackson lawyer Gregory K. Davis as a U.S. attorney for the southern half of Mississippi.

Attorney General Jim Hood is pleased about new online legislation that went into effect July 1. p9

talk

news, culture & irreverence

get. This board needs time to be involved in each process of examination.”

Burton said school board members needed to be more engaged with the district’s financial staff and form committees to have realistic discussions of revenue expenditures. “It is too late to talk about balancing the budget without that kind of discussion,” he said. The budget left no wiggle room, and it would put a lot of pressure on the district, Burton said.

Board members raised concerns over the district’s $350,000 textbook budget line item.

During the previous school year, teachers had to photocopy pages out of textbooks because there were not enough books to go around, said JPS board member Monica GilmoreLove. Miller said the amount was low because the district was only required to buy new high-

school history books this year, as opposed to buying textbooks for multiple subject areas.

“As a parent with a student in the school district, I have seen the quality of the copies coming home, and they are not sufficient,” Gilmore-Love said.

Edwards assured the school board that every student would be able to obtain books.

Gilmore-Love asked to revisit the issue during the September board meeting.

“If we are all about impacting student achievement and making sure that our students have what they should need, then textbooks and educational material should be looked at with that in mind,” board member Linda Rush said.

“That amount, in my mind, is not adequately enough to do what we need to do.”

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

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Food Truck Vote Set for July

M

file photo

obile food vendors may be serving tacos and burgers in the downtown area by the end of July.

Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell said the council might have a vote on the issue as early as the July 26 regular council meeting, but could not commit to an exact date.

The Jackson City Council Rules Committee passed an ordinance in May allowing vendors to buy an annual $500 license from the city to sell food from a truck, so long as each permit only applies to one selling location, trucks are fully insured, and the distribution and preparation center meets strict guidelines for cleanliness.

Whitwell altered the language of the proposed ordinance to restrict vendors to pre-designated areas in the city, at least 150 feet away from any restaurant entrance.

Competing restaurants can waive that requirement and allow a mobile vendor within that space if they so choose.

Jackson entrepreneur Sid Scott wants to open a food truck selling tacos and tortas in the downtown area, and said the new ordinance makes possible a mobile-vending area around downtown Jackson’s Smith Park on Amite Street.

“We would love to refurbish Smith Park and turn it into something that people look forward to visiting,” Scott said last month. “I think a food truck or two or three would do a lot to increase (park) visitation. The ordinance allows for trucks to park on the road alongside the park.”

Whitwell re-introduced the ordinance setting permit requirements last month, despite the approval of the Rules Committee in May. His re-introduction prompted some proponents of the ordinance to fear that the language was in for another exhaustive process of public hearings and debate.

“There have been several changes, (so Jackson) legal counsel asked me to re-intro-

OPEN MIC JAM 7-11

by Adam Lynch

duce the ordinance,” Whitwell said. “… They wanted a clean new version, so that’s what I offered,” The councilman was sure that no new hearings are necessary.

New language requires food truck owners to submit a scaled sketch plan or photographs depicting the proposed pushcart or mobile food vehicle location, dimensions and details of surrounding streetscape elements. It requires a valid insurance policy providing minimum liability coverage of $1 million per mobile-food preparation vehicle and $500,000 for pushcarts, and a food-vending permit from the Mississippi Department of Health, among other requirements.

Vendors will cook most of the food offsite at a stationary kitchen, but prepare the final product on location.

Tom Ramsey, a Jackson chef and freelance writer who wants to open a food truck with partner Scott, said he was glad the ordinance would not be bogged down with more public hearings. He added that the city of Jackson appeared to take too long to pass the ordinance, considering that other cities across the South already have working models of the same ordinance on the books.

“The easiest thing to do ought to be getting out of the way and letting business happen,” said Ramsey, who chastised the city for setting permit requirements for some mobile food sellers while ignoring smaller food sellers entirely.

“Go to any juke joint on a Saturday night, and there’s a guy with a grill outside selling barbecue,” Ramsey said.

“Where’s the city of Jackson there?

Where’s the city of Jackson throwing up their arms and asking if they’re hurting people or businesses and asking for a sketch of their barbecue grill?”

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

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JPS, from page 6

7

schooltalk

by Valerie Wells

JPS Admits Handcuffing Kids for Hours

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officials restrained children goes against this policy.

“We understand there is a change in leadership (at JPS),” Owens said. He wants to sit down and evaluate the policy with school officials to implement changes before the school year starts in August. If JPS does not agree to that, SPLC will ask the court to resolve the issue.

Among the alleged incidents cited in the lawsuit:

• A 14-year-old boy who wore a stocking cap to class threw his papers on the ground and refused to do his schoolwork. When he was left alone, cuffed to the railing, he yelled out because he had to go to the bathroom.

The school safety officer refused to let him go. When the cuffs came off at the end of the school day, they left marks on his wrists. The boy got similar punishments for wearing mismatched shoelaces and not bringing back paperwork.

• A 14-year-old boy refused to take off his shoes during a routine search. He didn’t want to do it and went to class upset. A school safety officer dragged him by his belt to the gym. The officer handcuffed his arm and leg and shackled him to the pole. The boy said the cuffs were too tight. A school official called his mom, but when she got to the school she wasn’t allowed to go to him.

The officer uncuffed the boy and brought him to the office to his mother. She saw bruises and scratches on his wrists that he didn’t have that morning.

• A 15-year-old boy was dancing and rapping in his classroom. Walden told him to stop. The boy stopped. “Boy, you look like you got an attitude,” Walden allegedly said. Two security guards took the boy to

file photo

P

arents and advocates are waiting to see how new Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Jayne Sargent resolves a lawsuit accusing JPS of handcuffing and shackling students at its alternative school.

JPS has already admitted handcuffing children to a stairway railing at Capital City Alternative School, feeding them lunch while handcuffed, and leaving them restrained and unsupervised for hours. JPS admitted this in its written response to a federal class-action lawsuit the Southern Poverty Law Center filed in June.

Jody Owens, director of the SPLC in Mississippi, said the response amounts to a major admission. “What we’ve always asked for is for it to stop immediately,” Owens said.

JPS has a written policy that allows restraining students when they could harm themselves or others. Owens said a student handcuffed for multiple hours would not pose a threat.

“If you thought they were calm enough to be given lunch, they were not a threat,” he said last week.

JPS also admits that school employees passing by or through the gym area could hear children calling out, asking for the handcuffs to be loosened.

In an instance when school officials restrained a girl who talked back, JPS admits she was handcuffed for multiple hours to the stair railing near the stairs in the gym, where there was no video camera, and that the safety officer did nothing to remove her handcuffs. Also, the school did not give the girl any disciplinary paperwork, which Owens says is important.

“That means they did what they wanted to do when they wanted to do it,” he said.

JPS has a written student-restraint policy that allows the use of handcuffs and mace if a student poses a threat. The policy states, “District policy prohibits the use of excessive force, or cruel and unusual punishment, regarding student management and discipline.”

The SPLC argues that the way Capital City

the gym and handcuffed him to the stair railing. The cuffs left marks on his wrists.

The lawsuit asks the court to prohibit the school from cuffing students and to protect the students’ constitutional rights.

Jacqueline Willis, mother of a student at the Capital City Alternative School, asked the JPS board June 21 to improve conditions at its alternative school and stop handcuffing students.

Willis claimed that staff members frequently handcuffed her son, Anthony Willis, for minor infractions. Willis and several parents and students presented a petition to the board with 12,000 signatures demanding that the district end the practice of handcuffing.

“If we cannot protect our own children when they are in school, and if they are all treated like they are bad, then we are not giving our children a chance,” Anthony Willis read from a statement.

Two national advocacy organizations, Alternet.org and Care2.com, launched a petition, with individual’s signatures from around the country and presented it to the board.

Drodriquez Williams, who recently graduated from Wingfield High School, also claimed to the board June 21 that faculty members handcuffed him when he attended Capital City alternative school for talking out of turn.

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

by Adam Lynch

New Laws Help Abuse Victims, More KEN LUND

tions,� said lobbyist Stan Flint, who pushed for the rebalancing of state funding. “We’re one of the leading states sending money to institutions, but nursing homes should not be the default public-policy solution to get longterm care.�

The National Center for Medicaid and Medicare ServicNew state laws will make home-based nursing a reality for es and MCCD have some Mississippi patients and provide new layers of protection pushed the state to for domestic abuse victims. steer more Medicaid udges can add an extra level of protec- money traditionally slated for institutional tion for victims of domestic abuse under long-term health care—such as nursing House Bill 196, which Gov. Haley Bar- homes—into home-care nursing. Until rebour signed in March. cently, however, the Mississippi Division of The law allows judges to fit perpetrators Medicaid stuck to its guns on slating Medicaid of domestic violence with a GPS device as a money to institutions, possibly in response to condition of their bond. It requires no addi- pressure from nursing industry lobbyists. tional money from the state because the perpeMary Troupe, executive director of the trator funds the device and the accompanying Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Dismonitoring service. The device has an elec- abilities, said the change will mean qualifying tronic counterpart, owned by the victim. The patients can now receive nursing care in the device alerts the victim if his or her personal comfort of their homes instead of moving to a terrorist is anywhere within the restricted zone medical facility. Flint said the change amounts the judge imposed around his or her house, or to incredible savings for the state. around places the victim frequents. “Home-care nursing is less expensive The court also gives the victim a hotline than institutional care. It saves the state a minito an appropriate member of law enforcement mum of $60,000 per person, per year,� Flint to call if the perpetrator enters any of the re- said. “This appropriation change creates 3,000 stricted zones. waivers for qualifying people. That’s 3,000 The new law follows a host of new leg- people saving the state $60,000 each.� islation passed during the 2011 legislative sesAnother law becoming effective this sion that went into effect July 1. month sets the clock ticking on how long The Mississippi Coalition for Citizens non-elementary public schools have to bring with Disabilities and other organizations are a form of sex education to their students. The praising the beginning of a new statewide law makes clear in conservative Mississippi funding initiative to steer thousands of dollars that schools may opt for an abstinence-only in Medicaid money into home and commu- version of the sex-education course—which nity-based health care. studies have shown to be an ineffective ap“This creates thousands of new waivers proach to reducing sex among teenagers. for home care. This is really a decision that The law also requires parents to OK legislators made this year to move appropria- their child’s participation in the sex-ed class

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before the child may participate. Critics such as Rachel Hicks, executive director of public policy watchdog group Mississippi First, say that a high incidence of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases affect a disproportionate number of children with non-attentive parents, and that the law’s language could end up excluding the most atrisk populations for education.

Under the guidelines, each sex-education course must include information on potential emotional scarring as a result of early or underage sex, as well as an adequate education on the hardships of early parenting and the prevalence of sex-related disease.

Flint said he was thankful opponents didn’t kill the flawed bill. “Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good,� Flint told the Jackson Free Press. “Killing a bill over its shortfalls is a narrow-visioned approach to public policy.

What’s important is that it is now no longer optional to teach sex-ed. You may go with the abstinence-only piece, which I think does not work, but parents have been telling kids to ‘just say no’ since Noah got off the boat. It didn’t work when I was a kid, and it doesn’t work now.�

Although the bill kicks in this month, schools have until June 30, 2012, to get their sex-education class together.

Attorney General Jim Hood praised the enactment of a new law that makes online impersonation of a person on any social networking site a misdemeanor offense with a fine between $250 and $1,000, or imprisonment of no less than 10 days. “Mississippi is really ahead of the curve with the passage of this bill,� Hood said in a statement. “This really addresses a problem we see with folks who create Facebook pages in someone else’s name and pose as that person, doing a world of harm to the victims of the postings plus the reputation of the ‘owner’ of the page.�

Hood has been an active proponent of legislation that deters bullying and cyber-bullying.

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

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9

jfp op/ed

opining, grousing & pontificating

EDITORIAL

Please Help

I

n a wonderful act of synchronicity, the Jackson Free Press, the Center for Violence Prevention and its director, Sandy Middleton, all found one another back in 2004. Under Middleton’s direction, the center has become a force in the movement to end domestic violence in the state of Mississippi.

Despite many great strides forward, it’s an effort that is far from complete.

Domestic violence and rape continue to be crimes where the victims are blamed as much as the offenders. The attempted-rape case against the former head of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is one such example. The media are raking the victim over its bed of judgmental coals, not because Strauss-Kahn is innocent, but because the victim turns out not to be a perfect witness. She is black, poor, a refugee and may have cheated on her taxes.

She may have told a lie. None of those things make her a “hooker” as The New York Post declared in its four-inch July 2 headline. They just make her human.

The case against Strauss-Kahn is a stark reminder of why half the victims of abuse, domestic violence and rape never report their assaults. Until police, prosecutors and the media can figure out that the victims aren’t at fault, we’ll continue to ask stupid questions such as, “why doesn’t she leave?” instead of smart ones like “why does he terrorize her?”

Not so very long ago, women who were being terrorized by stalkers could only count on friends and family for protection. No stalking laws existed in Mississippi until 1993, so police could offer no help until violence occurred. Until last year, a victim had to prove she was in imminent danger of death to have her stalker convicted.

In Mississippi, victims who were strangled by their abusers could not count on a felony assault charge against their attacker if they survived. That changed last year. This year, judges can order abusers to wear GPS tracking devices to be monitored by their victims, giving the abused another way to protect and empower themselves.

We would like Mississippi lawmakers to stop “protecting” victims by forcing them to stay in dysfunctional marriages. Taking a beating or submitting to terror is not a better option than divorce. It just is not. No child should ever be subjected to violence inflicted on a parent. That isn’t sane public policy, any more than not funding women’s shelters and batterer’s intervention programs.

Abuse victims deserve our collective attention and our concerted efforts to bring an end to the traumatic violence that permeates their lives. The Jackson Free Press is pleased to have made contributions to the movement to end domestic violence in Mississippi. We invite everyone to make the contributions they are able to. Come to the Chick Ball if you can. Tell someone about it if you can’t.

See jfpchickball.com for ways to help.

KEN STIGGERS

Re-educate the People

I

July 6 - 12, 20110

.M. Richman: “Ladies and gentlemen of the elite class, my brother (U.R. Richman) and I put our brilliant and superior minds together to change the course of history. And we need your help to revise, re-write and re-establish our American history that we lost about three years ago, after the election of the African-American-Anglo-Hawaiian from Kenya. To maintain our privilege, status, moral decency and wealth, we must support those ambitious politicians who will advocate our purpose.

“We’re fed up with the present government regulations that force us to give more to the poor. We’ve seen enough of the under classes rising up and making history. The madness must stop. Therefore, we must do all we can to continue to mis-educate the lower class through social media, radio, television and print.

“This is why we financed ‘Operation Extreme Right Wing Backlash Media’ to produce an American history DVD and encyclopedia series titled ‘The Re-education of the American People,’ created and presented by presidential candidate Michele Bachmann, a radical woman who isn’t afraid to buck the left-wingers, communists, gangsters and anti-Americans who occupy the White House, Congress, Senate and liberal media.

“The DVD and encyclopedia series features Ms. Bachmann’s revisionist takes on American, African American, ethnic and world history. She also shares her understanding about science, art, literature, culture, philosophy, race, slavery and LGBT issues.

“She may not get her words right, but she approves this message.

“Please financially support this worthy cause to re-educate the American 10 people.”

Kamikaze

Here’s to You

M

y youngest daughter is now 15 months old. Though it’s been fun to share all her adorable moments with you guys via Facebook, my thoughts often turn to more serious pursuits. As the father of a 17-year-old daughter and now my youngest little girl, I try to exert as much influence as I can. Fathers are often the first real male influence girls recognize so it’s important that I help them understand how a proper gentleman is supposed to treat a lady.

My oldest has begun dating and even claims to have a boyfriend. The idea makes me physically ill, but the Queen has convinced me to swallow that bitter pill. I’m not so much concerned with the obvious worries. Yes, we’ve had “the talk”— several times. I trust her. But I don’t trust what has become an all too frequent occurrence in today’s society: young ladies so concerned with keeping “him” that they accept unacceptable behavior, i.e., physical or mental abuse. And in the case of my oldest daughter dating a football player, my concerns are always magnified.

First loves are drama-filled times. I’ve already wiped tears, been a comforting shoulder and a stern parent. I can only hope that I’ve set enough of an example and made enough of an impact to let her know immediately that a man putting his hands on her is a “zero-tolerance” zone, aka grounds for immediate dismissal with a “no return” policy.

Hopefully, she has seen how I treat the Queen.

Hopefully, she knows that women are to be worshipped and respected as equals. You know, chivalry: doors opened, seats pulled out and so forth. I’ve told her that if a guy doesn’t do that, drop him.

In another decade or so, I’ll need my oldest

to be the role model for my little one. She’ll be looking to her big sister for tips on make-up, hair and (ugh) boys.

I hope then that she will hear the do’s and dont’s. I hope she hears the telltale signs of physical and verbal abuse. Even after the most hands-on parenting, you can only pray that your kids put those teachings into practice. It’s not an exact science. I’ve seen the strictest, most loving homes produce an abuse victim, or worse yet, an abuser. Love, or what one thinks is love, will make men and women do crazy things.

I grew up in a household where I saw a father who loved and respected my mother. He rarely raised his voice to her. I went from that to meeting the love of my life and finding out she was a victim, a victim who is just getting over those demons she carried with her for years.

Queen has come a long way. From that darkness, she has emerged as an inspiration to other women in similar situations. She has become the activist that her father was and the rock of our household. I’ve finally found someone even I have trouble keeping up with. What better vision of womanhood can my two girls learn from?

As I always do during Chick Ball time, I honor Funmi Franklin as a “Chick I Love.” You should be held up by JFP and the city as a prominent survivor. I also honor my mother, Mary Franklin, and my two girls, Brandi and Bralynn.

Here’s to you, ladies, for knowing how a woman should be treated. And here’s to all of you for making me a better man.

And that’s the truth ... sho-nuff.

Email letters to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019, or mail to P.O. Box 5067, Jackson, Miss., 39296. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Or write a 300-600-word “Your Turn” and send it by email, fax or mail above with a daytime phone number. All submissions are subject to fact checks.

Brianna White

The War at Home

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Ronni Mott News Editor Lacey McLaughlin Assistant Editor Valerie Wells Senior Reporter Adam Lynch Events Editor Latasha Willis Music Listings Editor Natalie Long Assistant to the Editor ShaWanda Jacome Editorial Assistant LaShanda Phillips Stylist Meredith Sullivan Writers Quita Bride, Scott Dennis, Bryan Flynn, Brandi Herrera, Garrad Lee, Natalie Long, Anita Modak-Truran, Larry Morrisey, Robin O’Bryant,Tom Ramsey, Briana Robinson, Doctor S, Julie Skipper, Ken Stiggers Editorial Interns Charity Anderson, Mary Blessey, Dustin Cardon, Meryl Dakin, Callie Daniels, Alexis L. Goodman, Jonnett Johnson, Jordan Lashley, Sadaaf Mamoon, Briana Robinson, Amelia Senter, Elizabeth Waibel, Brianna White Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris

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A

fter my uncle’s first deployment, he was a different person. His temper was short, and he berated my aunt about the changes she made in his absence. He wanted her to stop working and stay at home. When I came to visit, we weren’t allowed in the house if he was there.

All of his actions were a part of his attempt to regain control. My aunt never called the on-base military police for help during domestic disturbances. If he was arrested and convicted, my uncle would be dishonorably discharged.

When soldiers return from war, they usually receive a well-deserved homecoming. Spouses and children are overjoyed to see the person they love return. But often, these soldiers have changed. And they take out their hurt and anger on the families they left behind.

In the span of six weeks in 2002, four soldiers murdered their wives at the Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina. Three of the soldiers had just returned from deployments in Afghanistan. These killings showed the increasing trend of domestic violence in the military.

Since the “War on Terror� began in 2001, American citizens have dissected its economic costs and political consequences.

But the most troubling result has been the rise in domestic abuse for military families.

For soldiers’ spouses, the obstacles are relatively high. But outsiders view their role as a simple one—keep your husband or wife happy. The families of soldiers are the real heroes; they withstand difficulties to support those they love.

The psyche of a soldier returning from war is fragile. Everything is different—the house, the children, even the dog. Silence can be stifling; noise can be irritating. While deployed, they have no control over their lives.

When soldiers return, they have to turn off the killing mentality required to survive on the battlefield. Some soldiers can’t adjust.

Starting in 2001, the military has seen an increase in domestic-abuse cases. Its statistics for domestic violence only include reported cases among married couples.

Cases involving boyfriends and girlfriends, former spouses or fiancĂŠes are not reported as “domesticâ€? violence.

But the biggest problem in reporting cases is the spouses’ fear. The soldier’s confidentiality is not guaranteed with counseling in domestic-violence cases. He or she could face a dishonorable discharge, after which he or she would not receive any of the before-promised benefits.

Part of the problem is the public’s attitude toward military families. We too often see them as the link to hold our army together.

If a soldier’s mind is occupied with thoughts of his marital problems, he will be less effective on the field of war. Distractions make our troops a liability. This attitude shows a lack of empathy for their struggle.

Studies show that the more frequently a

soldier is deployed, the more likely domestic abuse in the home will occur. Like so many troops returning home, my uncle was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, another common factor in domestic-violence cases. The trauma of war plays a part in domestic violence at home. The violent and traumatic experiences soldiers experience during war prevent them from integrating back into everyday life.

It is as if the government has a new “don’t ask; don’t tell� policy that focuses on domestic abuse. Seeking help isn’t always encouraged.

A couple that attends marriage counseling through the military’s resources has no confidentiality; the incident is reported to the soldier’s commander. If a soldier has a record of seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist, he’s barred from certain missions. It can be a career breaker.

The domestic violence that occurred between my aunt and uncle can’t be easily explained. She wishes more resources were available for help. He says seeking help would result in punishment. But they agree that the pressure of the war increased the rift between them.

In 1998, “60 Minutes� aired a program on domestic violence in the military. The result was a public outcry that prompted Congress to demand action from the military. The Pentagon responded with a pledge to provide resources for victims, but halted the shortlived programs after the Afghanistan war began in 2001.

The military formed the Defense Task Force On Domestic Violence, which was assigned to investigate cases from 2001-2003.

The task force made suggestions for improvement and studied the effects of domestic violence. But the resources available now don’t have adequate support. The family programs handle an overload of cases with a strained budget. And the staff for family-advocacy programs is under-trained. The military has promised an increased budget for handling domestic-violence in its ranks, and it’s time for them to pay up.

I once considered a career in the military.

My paperwork was together, and I planned to accept a military scholarship for college.

But after talking with returning soldiers, I backed out. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t enlist. The pressure of a military life may have been too much for me. So many areas need to be re-examined and improved. Domestic violence is one of them.

Before we continue to deploy troops overseas, we should examine our domestic problems. It’s time for America to pull back from the Afghanistan and Iraq wars and focus on the war at home.

Editorial intern Brianna White is an avid sports fan who loves Harry Potter and Mandarin Chinese. Everyone thinks she would make a great doctor, which means she’ll become a writer.

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jacksonfreepress.com

Editor in Chief Donna Ladd Publisher Todd Stauffer

11

Woman on a Mission tanding an easy 6 feet tall in her fashionable beige wedge sandals, Sandy Middleton strode into the Copiah County sheriff’s station.

She breezed past the unmanned reception desk, barely pausing, pushing her sunglasses up into her blonde hair and out of the way. Her long, tanned legs carried her down the most likely hallway.

“Hey, how are you?” she asked the first person she met. Her bright smile lit up her face. With a slightly confused expression, the deputy struggled to place where they’d met before and failed.

“I’m Sandy Middleton from the Center for Violence Prevention,” she said, reaching out her hand to shake his. “I’ve met you before, haven’t I?” She barely waited for a response. “Is the sheriff around?”

The fact that she had just missed Sheriff Harold Jones deterred her not a bit. She simply corralled the next person who came in her direction with a badge and a willingness to talk.

That next person was Chad Sills, an investigator. Unbeknownst to Sills, he was about to enter the “Middleton School of Domestic Violence Prevention.”

Like any student who finds that what he thinks he knows just ain’t necessarily so, he was about to start squirming.

July 6 - 12., 2011

The Lady and the Law

At 51, Middleton is a cool mix of southern elegance and graciousness and resolute determination. She’s the executive director of the Center for Violence Prevention in Pearl, a position she came to in 2004 after running a successful management-consulting business.

Hearing that the center had to close its doors because of a lack of funds, Middleton’s response was to volunteer her services. “We did a big fundraiser to get the place reopened,” she said, after which Middleton helped the center get additional grant funds. The CVP then asked her to serve on its board, and Middleton brought in additional “driven, passionate individuals.” When the directorship became vacant, she came on as interim director “for six months,” she said. The board made it clear they wanted her to take the job permanently.

“It was a tough decision for me,” Middleton said. “I prayed about it and wrestled with it.” Eventually, she realized that it was meant to be. “It’s where I’m supposed to be, and what I’m supposed to be doing right now.”

12 Her husband, Fred Middleton, is com-

pletely supportive of her work. “He just takes The Legislature also killed several bills care of me,” she said. this year: One would have established a felony

Middleton spends her weekdays in the attempted murder law; another would have Jackson area, staying with her mother, Joann. added to the state’s 12 valid reasons to divorce; Weekends, she commutes to her home in Fer- and a third would have allowed chancery riday, La., to be with her husband and family. courts to establish domestic-violence courts.

She and Fred each have two grown children Mississippi legislators sensitive to the issue, from previous marriages. such as Rep. Brandon Jones, D-Pascagoula,

Every day, Middleton works to educate and Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, have the community—from victims to police to worked hard to push laws through. In the lawyers to judges to legislators—about the past few years, they have added strangulation scourge of domestic violence. Depending on as an aggravating factor in domestic-violence whom you ask, Mississippi is either the sec- assaults, strengthened stalking statutes and ond or fifth most dangerous place for women, prevented insurance companies from denying but domestic-abuse abuse victims coverstatistics are notoriage by categorizing ously difficult to as pre-existing conpin down. Experts ditions the results of on the subject say at their abuse. least half of all abuse

Getting laws is never reported. passed is just one part

Some victims of the battle. Law enare convinced the forcement and judges only way to stay need to be trained. alive is to stay silent.

The CVP runs an They believe their intervention program abuser’s threats. for abusers—one of These women, and the few of its kind in it’s mostly women the state—that needs on the receiving trained facilitators. end of batterers’ Most importantly, fists, believe that no victims need to know one on their side is that someone’s on strong enough to their side. stand up against

Victims won’t Sandy Middleton, executive director of the their abusers. Some Center for Violence Prevention. report abuse when believe no one is on they’re convinced no their side at all. one cares, Middleton

Middleton’s drive to end domestic vio- pointed out. Why should they? lence in Mississippi frequently puts her into the It’s especially difficult for victims in isohalls of power at the state capitol. She works lated rural areas. “It’s not like they can call a side-by-side with people like Attorney Gen- cab and come to the shelter,” she said. eral Jim Hood and Heather Wagner, director Away from the Jackson metro in central of the Domestic Violence Division in Hood’s Mississippi, many victims find themselves office, lobbying to change and strengthen laws alone. “The whole west side of the Delta is to protect domestic-violence victims. completely poor and underserved,” Middle In partnership with the attorney general’s ton cited as an example, adding that one sheloffice, other agencies in the field of domestic ter exists in the north Delta, and a few others violence and concerned citizens, Mississippi’s are scattered in the broad area the CVP serves. legislators have passed a small raft of new and The Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic amended laws over the past several years.

Violence lists five shelters in the central part of

This past session, the Legislature passed a the state, including the CVP. law making it illegal to obstruct a person from seeking emergency assistance, and another ‘That Doesn’t Make Me Happy’ authorizing the use of global positioning, or Middleton has dealt with and trained GPS, to keep track of convicted abusers. dozens of police officers just like Investigator

by Ronni Mott photos by Rachel Bush

Sills. As he cited procedures in domestic-violence cases, he bragged that if he responded to a D.V. call, someone would be arrested about 95 percent of the time, often both parties.

“I’m not the judge, so I don’t determine whether he started it or she started it,” he said.

“If you’ve got blood and scratches on your face, and your husband has blood and scratches on his face, y’all both going to jail.”

But procedures have changed, and law enforcement is required to determine the primary aggressor, Middleton countered. She related a story from a case the CVP had worked where both parties had scratches and cuts. Then she gave Sills a lesson on defensive wounds.

“Now don’t arrest me. Let me show you something,” she said as she got up behind Sills and wrapped her right arm around his neck, locking it with her left into a chokehold.

“He had her in this move, and she was trying to get away from him. So she clawed him all over his arm, and did a pretty good job of messing him up,” Middleton said. “… But he was trying to choke her. So what do you do in a case like that?

“If there’s physical abuse on both of them, both of them are coming to jail,” Sills repeated.

“That doesn’t make me happy,” Middleton said. “I’m just not cool with the victim going to jail.”

She chided Sills for putting the decision off on a judge. “When the judge is let in on the case, he doesn’t get to see what you see,” she said.

Sills backtracked: “My going on my instinct may not be right every time.”

“Is a judge smarter than you?” Middleton asked, stopping Sills in his tracks.

‘Somebody’s Got to Die’

CVP covers a 10-county area: Hinds, Rankin, Madison, Claiborne, Copiah, Issa­ quena, Sharkey, Simpson, Warren and Yazoo.

Most of the area is rural—little towns tucked behind and between the interstate’s exit signs—towns on state highways and county roads that no amount of zooming on a Google map seems to find. But Mississippi, like much of America, lives in these communities that existed long before the interstates. The people here work the land, labor in the transformer factory where their daddies worked or the furniture factory across town, or they commute to Jackson for an hour or more every day.

Crystal Springs is one of the larger of

A big part of the center’s work is to ensure that central Mississippi’s domestic-violence victims understand their rights and the resources available to them.

trying to control them. The women know the men won’t face any real consequences.

The solution is to zealously prosecute all domestic-abuse cases, Middleton countered.

“All these trumped-up charges aren’t going to stop until the judge quits dismissing them,” she said. It’s what happened in Ridgeland and Yazoo City, she said. Once the consequences of making a domestic-abuse complaint became real, the bogus cases dropped.

Robinson said judges are hesitant to put abusers behind bars or to fine them.

“The judge is trying to keep the families together,” he said. “… He’s not trying to put a strain on the family, ‘cause most of these folks, they don’t have nothing.”

Nine times out of 10, Robinson said, the couples really do love each other. Still, he realizes that abusers will lie to get back in the good graces of their victims: “Usually what they do is kill ’em with kindness and tell ’em they not gonna do it anymore. They don’t threaten ’em.

They’ll tell ’em, ‘Look. I apologize. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done it. I won’t do it anymore.’

That’s usually how they’ll swing ’em back.”

It’s an uphill battle for Middleton. Even after she told the chief that judges have an option to send offenders to the CVP Batterer’s Intervention Program, Robinson insisted judges really have only two options.

“Folks gonna have to be made to pay, either by jail time or financial,” he said.

Middleton has been working to make inroads into the city for a while now. The CVP held a training for the Crystal Springs force about two years ago, just about the time Robinson became chief.

Crystal Springs police dispatcher Jerry Youngblood is a knowledgeable CVP ally. He keeps the center’s brochures readily available

at the station’s front counter, and he counsels victims not to drop charges.

“What (the victim) doesn’t know is that this escalates,” he said. “It’s not going to get any better; it’s going to keep on getting worse.”

Despite his best efforts, though, women will drop charges. “We’re fortunate to have people who understand this and who know how to talk to these people like (the CVP), and say, ‘Look: If he beats you up one time … you’re gonna make him mad.

You’re gonna piss him off about something, and he’s gonna jump you again.’”

Youngblood said that alcohol acts as a trigger, intensifying violence.

“It might be something that’s small,” he explained. “She didn’t fix what he wanted for dinner because she’s not a mind reader. ... She didn’t have the kids out of his hair.”

Youngblood encourages officers to file abuse complaints on their own, coaching them in how to speak to victims. “I don’t have to have you to prosecute the case,” he said. “I can prosecute based on what I saw.”

Despite allies like Youngblood, Middleton said the baseline knowledge about abuse in many rural communities as “scary.”

She recalled one officer telling her that his town just didn’t have a problem with abuse.

His attitude was that what goes on behind closed doors is personal business and shouldn’t become a police matter.

“Law enforcement will say, ‘We don’t get a lot of domestic-violence calls,’” she said.

“Well, you don’t get them because they don’t trust you. They have no confidence in you that you’re going to do the right thing, so they don’t call you.

“Somebody’s got to die before you’ll get the phone call, and that’s just the brutal truth.”

A Day in the Life

It was a Thursday in May, a few minutes after 9 a.m., and the Center for Violence Prevention was gearing up for another day. The center’s treatment team was meeting in Middleton’s lavender-walled office, the color offset by the bright yellow “Rosie the Riveter”-style chick on the oversized 2009 JFP chick-issue poster in one corner.

The shelter is full, and each team member has a binder of information on the shelter’s residents and other victims in the system.

The woman in room seven has lost her job, reports Kristina McCool, client services coordinator. She has food stamps, but needs housing for herself and her children. She remains hopeful about her abuser, McCool said.

“She feels like he might could change.”

Case manager Jimesha Rule jumped in.

“She needs it all,” she said. The woman wants to go back to school, but has a problem with paperwork. “And she’s pregnant” Rule said.

The woman’s kids are “amazing; super, super smart,” said Teresa Luckey, who heads up the center’s children’s services division.

Luckey explains that when they first come to the shelter, children usually have the same behaviors as their abuser, reacting with distrust and violence. An abusive parent may be the only role model many of these kids have, she said, and developmentally, they frequently lag behind other kids their age. The center’s environment changes them.

“They learn that there are people they can trust, loving them unconditionally,” Luckey says. Middleton called the work Luckey does “magical” for children, who are traumatized at an early age by abusers.

MISSION, see p 14

jacksonfreepress.com

those small towns. Technically, it’s a city. With a population of about 5,500, it has a mayor, a board of aldermen and a police department.

Crystal Springs’ website proclaims that it was once known as the “tomatopolis of the world.”

Without knowing the turns to make, you might never find the police station situated in a row of storefronts on one side of the Illinois Central railroad tracks on the aptly named West Railroad Avenue. It is part of the track that still sees daily trains running from New Orleans to Chicago. But you can’t catch the train here.

“You can get on ‘n’ off in Hazelhurst,” Police Chief Cairl Robinson said.

The chief’s tanned, olive complexion and robust features suggest an exotic mix of ethnicities, and his unusual dialect strongly hints of a Cajun background, but his people have lived in the area for generations.

“I was born and raised ’bout five miles north of here, in the country,” he says, laughing. It’s not the first time Robinson’s been asked where he’s from. His musical patois underscores how isolated these small towns can be, where unique speech patterns have yet to be homogenized by outside influences.

Robinson is hard to pin down about resolving his town’s domestic-violence issues. He points out that 80 percent of abuse victims drop charges when they get into court.

“They’re mad at ’em when it’s happening, and the next day, it’s OK,” he said, echoing a common complaint from police and prosecutors. Still, it is incumbent on police to file charges if abuse is obvious, even when a victim recants. Like murder, domestic violence doesn’t require the victim’s complaint.

Robinson believes some women abuse the system by dragging their men into court

13

MISSION from page 13

Rule was exasperated about another woman, describing her situation as “a mess.”

A victim of sexual abuse, the woman’s mother has threatened to take her children away from her. She has car repair issues in addition to being behind on her car note.

As the team discussed the cases and next steps, Middleton brought up a success story: a woman who had been stuck in “fight mode.”

Even after divorcing her abuser, she just couldn’t get her life going again. The woman reached a decision during a group therapy session (a service the center facilitates) to find an apartment and move out of the single room where she’d been living for more than a year.

“It’s good to see her there,” Middleton said of the woman’s newfound momentum.

“It’s kind of a caterpillar to a butterfly.”

July 6 - 12., 2011

Mail-Order Brides

Later that morning, Middleton and her team met with a victim in an immigration attorney’s office. The woman did not speak English and spoke through an interpreter.

It’s a situation that’s becoming more common. Foreign-born victims of abuse— even those who did not enter the United States legally—can seek asylum here. Their path to citizenship, while not assured, may be expedited by their circumstances.

For this woman, the path she chose will not be easy. Her husband, her abuser, found her through one of the many websites promising to match men with foreign-born beauties.

Sites such as goodwife.com and planet-love. com provide matches from Latin America, Russia and other Asian countries. The sites guide the men through courtship, including how to impress her parents. They give travel and cultural advice and even give the men the basics of immigration issues they might encounter returning with their chosen brides.

They advise courting more than one woman at a time in case one doesn’t work out.

A mail-order bride is a tailor-made opportunity for an abuser, Middleton explained.

Isolating his victim is part of the power and control an abuser exerts on his victim. How much more isolated can a victim be when she’s thousands of miles away from her family and friends, unable to speak English and unemployable? Even when a victim finds the will to escape her abuser, she faces tremendous hurdles, from finding therapy and other kinds of assistance to convincing law enforcement and a judge that she’s being abused to getting a job and supporting herself.

Some of these women find themselves unable to return home because of financial limitations or cultural circumstances. And the men, having spent thousands of dollars and months, perhaps years, to put a compliant woman in their house, won’t let them go without a fight. Domestic violence and sexual abuse, Middleton said flatly, is “something you’re groomed for.”

It can turn into a major ordeal, especially when there are no obvious signs of physical abuse, as in this case. The victim wants to become a citizen, but as the attorney said, “It’s quite a process.”

14 Despite the barriers, the victim wants to

get away from her abuser. He is mentally unbalanced, she claims. She’s also pregnant and fears for her child.

Providing support and therapy for victims in the Hispanic community, by far fastestgrowing immigrant population in Mississippi, is on Middleton’s to-do list. “Even if it’s once a month,” she said. “Even if it’s by phone.”

‘It’s Just Part of Life’

At the Copiah County sheriff’s office, Chief Deputy Tony Hemphill joined the discussion. The department had already had two

“The prosecutors (and) the judges are loving it, because they’ve never had the opportunity in their community before to do anything different than throw these guys in jail for 24 hours,” Middleton said.

The CVP trains every BIP facilitator and scouts courtrooms throughout its 10-county area for likely program attendees, working with prosecutors and judges.

“In a small community, you see the impact in a hurry,” Middleton said.

On a balmy April evening, 20 or so BIP participants gathered at the Yazoo City police

Middleton and the Center for Violence Prevention were instrumental in starting central Mississippi’s first Batterer’s Intervention Program. It’s one of only a few BIPs in the state.

domestic calls that morning, Hemphill said, one from a woman who had filed charges before but dismissed them and went back with her abuser.

“I’m always frank with these people, because this is a very serious matter,” he said.

“You’re gonna keep on, and you’re gonna let him talk you out of this … until he’s gonna kill you, or you’re gonna be forced to kill him. Either way, you’re not gonna be free any more.”

Sills said that domestic-abuse calls make up the majority of the station’s complaints, and Middleton was frustrated.

“We’ve got to have a plan. Y’all can’t be having this many domestic-violence cases, and we’re not even hearing from the victims,” she said, her voice rising. “... We want to help y’all.

This obviously is not working. We’ve got to figure out something.”

Hemphill went to the wall calendar and told Middleton when the best days and times would be to meet with Copiah’s 35 deputies and investigators. It was a hopeful sign.

Beyond training law enforcement, a big part of the CVP’s impact is its Batterers Intervention Program, which Middleton is working hard to expand. The program gets down to an abuser’s core beliefs, she said, getting to the root of the belief systems that keep the cycle of violence in place.

Courtrooms, like that of Judge John Donaldson in Yazoo City, see the effectiveness of the program to change abuser’s attitudes, making them far less likely to re-offend.

station on East Jefferson Street. The meeting room was typical municipal drab. The black upholstered stackable chairs were in a rough circle on the gray linoleum tiles. Not a single print decorated the pale gray-blue walls.

Leading the 90-minute session was Jackson-based BIP facilitator Whitney Barkley, a lawyer for the Mississippi Center for Justice, and facilitator David Greene, a counselor with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation.

Each participant pays $25 for each weekly session over six months. The facilitators’ base pay is $50 per session. Those with special expertise receive a bit more. Detective Tilmon Clifton of the Yazoo Police Department was on hand as well, a requirement for the sessions.

The offenders, all sentenced to complete the program in lieu of jail time or fines, were black and white, young and middle-aged.

Most were intimately familiar with a hard day’s work. Their baseball caps weren’t pristine.

In the Yazoo City BIP, consistent with programs throughout the CVP area, recidivism for domestic abusers is less than 1 percent. The process begins when an abuser is brought to court on an abuse charge. The judge, instead of slapping a fine or jail term on the abuser, sentences him or her to attend the six-month program, with the caveat that if the abuser misses a session without an excellent excuse, he or she will serve jail time. Most batterers don’t miss sessions.

During the course of the program, abusers confront their beliefs about relationships,

allowing them to make fundamental changes in their behavior. The Yazoo City session began with Barkley asking the men about the first time they saw a violent act.

“Mama and Daddy,” said one man, while another recalled his brother-in-law hitting his sister with a hammer. Most first saw violence in their families, and they eventually grew numb to its effects.

“It’s just a part of life,” one man said.

“People die.”

The men talked about how violence just “rubbed off” on them, and they naturally adopted it. “I came from a big family,” one said, where fighting was the norm. Being born into it, you have to fight to survive, he said. “Roll with it or get rolled over.”

Barkley asked the men how it felt to be violent. “Give me a high,” a young man said candidly. “Like a rush.”

Another admitted, “It can be fun if you get into it.”

It was a perfect segue for Barkley to touch on the physiology of violence. With an expenditure of energy comes an adrenaline rush, she explained. The “thrill of success” in a fight acts like an addictive drug.

The facilitators encouraged all of the men to participate. One man, older than many in the room, talked about how the names he had used stripped people of their humanity, making it easier to hurt and even kill in times of war. “B*tch, n*gger, gook, spic,” he said with hard-won insight. “They’re all the same.”

The men saw themselves in each other, too. Barkley challenged one participant who insisted his woman “made” him angry, forcing him to react with violence. “What can’t you walk away from?” Barkley asked him pointedly. “What would cause you to lose control?”

The others got the point long before the guy talking with Barkley. “Walk away,” one man offered. You have the power to diffuse the situation, another said. Let things cool down.

Middleton is matter of fact about the program. “BIP isn’t perfect,” she admitted, but it’s still the best option Mississippi has to curb domestic violence. “Some of these guys need to go to jail,” she said about the worst, most violent offenders. For the rest, the Batterers Intervention Program gives them an opportunity to turn their lives around.

Seamless, Constant Response

For a small police department that understands domestic-violence issues, go no further than Byram. The city incorporated it in 2009, and Chief Luke Thompson has been building up his force since 2010. In June, Byram “flipped the switch” to go full-time, relieving the Hinds County sheriff’s department from responding to Byram’s calls after 11 p.m.

Thompson’s principal advocate for training his force about domestic violence is Sergeant Reginald Cooper, an 12-year police veteran with stints on the Jackson and Yazoo City forces. He went to Yazoo City on a U.S. Department of Justice grant to address the issues of domestic violence there. Among the changes he implemented was to have officers really work the abuse cases.

“Really, if you’re going to work a domes-

Middleton speaks highly of the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedicated team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My staff is the best,â&#x20AC;? she says.

tic-violence case, you need to treat it the same way you would an aggravated assault,â&#x20AC;? Cooper said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do your follow-ups; talk to your witnesses; get your medical records. A lot of that stuff they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doing.â&#x20AC;?

Under Cooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction, Yazoo City officers also began taking photos, running criminal histories on abusers and enforcing protective orders. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it now in Byram.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What he did is still carrying on,â&#x20AC;? Middleton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of the time, law enforcement, they want to do the right thing, they just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily know how.â&#x20AC;?

Cooper mentioned that victims dropping charges may demoralize officers, but said that shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affect how they complete investigations. They need to stop making judgments about the victims in those cases, he said, and move forward to get convictions.

At first, Yazoo City victims didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to talk. They were afraid of their abusers punishing them. That changed when police began enforcing protective orders, Cooper said, at which point Middleton reached over and enthusiastically patted him on the back.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designed to work,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You arrest them; you put them in jail; you get the protective order; and if he violates it, he goes back to jail. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just that seamless, constant response.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If a victim believes this officer cares, it makes all the difference,â&#x20AC;? Middleton said.

Digging a Hole

In contrast to Byram, Copiah County Investigator Sills continued to dig himself a hole with his assumptions.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The stereotype is that most of the time the woman is the victim, but really thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not true,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I mean, it really isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. The women are the ones that speak up, and a lot of them donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even do that.â&#x20AC;?

Middleton assured him that she understands that women arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t immune from being abusers and told Sills about the BIP classes strictly for women.

Sills backtracked, saying he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t implying that women are usually the offenders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Men just arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to call,â&#x20AC;? he said, implying that was the reason statistics are weighted so heavily toward male offenders.

But Middleton knows that victims who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe police and judges will protect them will not reach out for help.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until you can offer some hope and some help to legitimate victims, the fact probably is that you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hearing from your legitimate victims,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any faith in the system, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to call you for help. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get the call when somebodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dead.â&#x20AC;?

After nearly 40 minutes, Sills still insisted that he would arrest both parties on a domestic-abuse call, leaving the decision on whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at fault to a judge.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;That just makes me want to get up and kick your butt,â&#x20AC;? Middleton said flatly, disdain on her face. She was at a momentary loss as to how to get through, but then she forged on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If somebody expresses some kind of aggression toward you as an officer, what are you gonna do?â&#x20AC;? she asks him.

Sills laughed and shook his head as if the answer should be obvious. â&#x20AC;&#x153;See what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m saying? You want to be able to deal with them harshly; otherwise, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be the victim,â&#x20AC;? Middleton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that victim have the same right?â&#x20AC;?

Sills fell silent momentarily.

On the way back to Jackson, Middletonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frustration spilled out. She had been trying to get with Sheriff Jones for months now, and it seemed he was always out or in a meeting. In the meantime, Copiah County has seen at least four domestic murders in the past few years.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chad (Sills) is strictly dealing with oldschool law enforcement,â&#x20AC;? she said, and then added with a hint of remorse: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I tried to restrain myself. I know I threatened to kick his butt. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how smart that was.â&#x20AC;?

She reiterated the difficulty in getting law enforcement to understand that domestic violence is not inevitable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until (police and the courts) start responding to these cases, nothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to change,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The way Copiah County is handling domestic violence, the system is stacked against the victims, she said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;By the time they get to court, the bruises are gone (and) the house is cleaned up. More than likely, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re back together. ... Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had no other options, because theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given her none,â&#x20AC;? she said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonna win every time,â&#x20AC;? she said of an abuser. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a master at manipulating, and a master at minimizing, denying and defending his behavior. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually charismatic, so the judge is going to be like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really see that big of a problem here. Never mind he tried to kill you six months ago. You look fine and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken him back,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; so bam, case dismissed.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Then they get a call six months later that one of them is dead.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much ground to cover and so much to do. You just physically canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to it all,â&#x20AC;? she added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can never sleep and still not get it all done.â&#x20AC;?

See jfpchickball.com for ways to help Middleton and the Center for Violence Prevention.

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15

7th Annual JFP Chick Ball

July 9, 2011 http://www.jfpchickball.com

Chicks We Love

F

July 6 - 12, 2011

Courtesy of Mary Ann Galle’

Jordan Lashley

Thomas Beck

or years now, the Jackson Free Press has chosen and honored a slate of amazing women each year, a line-up we cheekily refer to as “Chicks We Love.” These are women who embody what it takes to be renaissance women: They are involved in their communities; they believe in our city and state’s future; they know what they do matters. They believe in themselves, and they don’t let problems hold them back. They are women who pick themselves up, dust off and carry on. They are fun-loving and funny, and they are inspirations for all of us.

We will salute the 2011 Chicks We Love at the JFP Chick Ball on July 9. First, a VIP Chick-A-BOOM reception (for $50 and up sponsors) will honor them from 6 to 8 p.m. in Hal & Mal’s Brew Pub. They will then join us on the main stage in the Red Room to be recognized by the full Ball at about 8:15 p.m. Be sure you’re there to toast these fabulous chicks.

16

Beth Kander

B

eth Kander, a 29-year-old Illinois native, spent her young years in rural Michigan.

Kander’s adventurous spirit eventually lead her south in 2003 when she moved to Mississippi to work in education with the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life.

Kander is a playwright, and companies in London, England and New York have produced her work. She is president of Fondren Theatre Workshop and the Playwriting Chair for the Mississippi Theatre Association.

Despite her talent in theater and acting, Kander says, “I am a writer, first and foremost.”

She published her first children’s book last year,

“Glubbery Gray, The Knight Eating Beast.” She has also contributed to several other books.

Kander obtained a master’s of social work from the University of Michigan in 2007. In her day job, she coordinates community outreach and works with nonprofit companies. Kander supports the Women’s Fund of Mississippi and the Animal Rescue Foundation of Mississippi, among other charitable organizations.

Kander’s inspiration comes from “people who are not afraid to tell their stories; people who are not afraid to love. My parents, my grandparents, the diverse collection that is my family.”

Also, “from those big, spiritual moments that

take you by surprise.” Kander had a life-changing spiritual experience only a year ago when she was in an “epic car wreck.” While trying to avoid hitting a deer, a semi-truck rear-ended her into the path of another semi-truck. The truck driver that pulled her from her mangled car and the EMTs that rushed her to the hospital all tell her that she is very lucky to be here today.

“I believe in miracles. They can’t be predicted, but they can happen,” Kander says. “I am honestly grateful for every single day that I get to be here, and I’m hoping that I can use each one of those days as well as I possibly can.”

—Charity Anderson

food,” Williams explains about her art.

The 36-year-old attended the Art Institute of Atlanta in Georgia. Her formal education at AIA, where she graduated in 2004, enables Williams to incorporate her passions—food and cooking—into her career.

Since Parlor Market’s doors opened in September 2010, Williams has cooked in the finedining, farm-to-table method.

“I have to constantly be motivated to create something because I get bored very easily,” the chef says.

“I am the biggest food geek ever, and I like being around other food geeks. It’s this energy we

just bounce food off each other.”

Williams finds inspiration for her culinary creations in all aspects of life—her southern heritage, music, good books and visual art.

Coming from a long line of southern women who love to cook, she uses much of her past as a basis for her original food phenomena of re-vamping an old recipe by giving it a new spin with extra ingredients or a modern flair.

“I like people to enjoy what I do. It makes me feel good,” Williams says.

“Some people paint. I cook to relax and to create.”

—Jordan Lashley

worked with the Kids Art Afternoon School program. Galle also joined the Women’s Guild of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Flowood, collecting art supplies for children at the center.

As a volunteer at the Center for Violence Prevention, and then an employee, Galle became a “house mom.” She got involved in the lives of the men, women and children at the center, helping take care of homes, scheduling appointments and assisting displaced parents in finding jobs. “I loved it. I loved being able to do that,” she says.

Until Dec. 23, Gall’ had always been present at the center. That day, however, Galle suffered a stroke. “I called the ambulance for someone else, but when they arrived, they said, ‘You need to come with us,’” Gall’ remembers.

It was a scary moment in Galle’s life, and since then she hasn’t been able to return to her job at the center. She is continuing her rehab and has improved. She is able to walk, and doctors are assessing her strength. “If I cannot get back to work, I would try to volunteer or even give private classes at home,” Galle says.

Galle is a woman whose spirit refuses to be broken. She remains a central part of the art community, and has inspired others through her philanthropy. Galle believes in the center, and the influence it has had. “The Center supports them (the abuse victims), and that’s what I love,” Galle says. “Whatever their need, the center is there for them. It’s like a little safe place in our world.”

—Brianna White

Enrika Williams

M

any people use visual, musical and written art as an outlet for emotion and sentiment, but for Enrika Williams, the artistry of food is essential to living.

Born in West Point, Miss., and raised all over the southeastern United States, Williams has always considered Jackson her hometown because of her family roots in the capital city.

She moved to Jackson after landing a job at Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St. 601-3739841) in 2010, where she found an opportunity to be the type of chef she wants.

“I am all about great ingredients, minimal preparation, and just preserving the integrity of

Mary Ann Galle

M

ary Ann Galle has the resolve to overcome obstacles. The Gulfport native, 68, came to Brandon after Hurricane Katrina displaced her in 2005. The wife of Warren R. Galle Sr. and mother of three (Warren Jr., Paul, and Angela), Galle has always had a special place in her heart for children. For the last few years, Galle has worked as house manager at the Center for Violence Prevention in Pearl. Galle, 68, started by helping children through therapeutic art.

Galle studied fine arts at William Carey University. After relocating to Brandon, Galle became invested in the local arts community.

She joined the Rankin County Arts Alliance and was named treasurer in 2008. She also

J

an Mattiace believes in the Jackson metro.

Her father owned a men’s clothing store on the square in Canton. Thinking she would follow in his footsteps, she studied merchandising and business at the University of Mississippi and started working retail out of college, but life took her in a different direction.

After working for the Mississippi Republican Party on several campaigns, Mattiace ended up in cable advertising sales for about 14 years.

When her boss, Bob O’Brien, passed away, she decided it was time to try something new.

At that same time, her husband, real estate developer Andrew Mattiace, started work on the

Duling School in Fondren. She helped with that project and, as she says, “accidentally” found her new career. She leads marketing and advertising for the company, researching merchants she thinks would do well in Jackson. Supporting local merchants while bringing new companies into the state is a balance that Mattiace enjoys.

“When we bring people who have never been to Mississippi here, we don’t just show them our property; we sell the whole (metro) package, and people fall in love with it,” she says. “Having someone look at me and say, ‘I get it’ is great.”

What she calls her “big picture” perspective on the metro extends to the company, which

also has developments in Madison, Richland, Ridgeland, including The Renaissance. “One can’t stand without the other,” Mattiace says. She strives to promote both the city and the suburbs.

This desire to bring people together extends to her private life as well. Mattiace works to maintain a diverse group of friends and tries to find the good in everyone. “Even if I have a different philosophy or a disagreement with someone on one issue, there’s always some common ground that I can find,” she says.

In her spare time, Mattiace works with animal rescue groups, which she calls her “heart and soul.”

—Julie Skipper

reporter for the Southern Urban Network and Marketing and Communications Director for the American Heart Association. She went back to Belhaven University to earn her master’s degree in management in 2005.

Jackson—who lives with her husband, Jamian, and children in Brandon—refers to her current position as the marketing director at the Mississippi Children’s Museum as a milestone in her life’s journey. The museum opened last December and has already had more than 100,000 visitors. “We really hope that we are planting seeds and that children will develop a life-long passion for learning and discovery, and that they

will develop a love for reading,” she says.

The mother of four is a member of the Junior League of Jackson, which helped raise more than $26 million to build the museum and donated $2 million. Now as marketing director, she is responsible for designing marketing materials, assisting special events, managing web content and promoting the museum.

By her children’s standards, it’s the best job in the world. She often returns to the museum on Saturday mornings at the request of her children whose ages range from 1 to 13 years old.

“My kids say I can never leave,” she says.

—Lacey McLaughlin

Magazine. The success of the store led to the July 2009 opening of Repeat Revolution in Starkville.

In addition to Repeat Street and Repeat Revolution, her business ventures also include the Ridgeland Pet Clinic with her veterinarian husband Greg Austin.

With a degree from Delta State University, she briefly worked as a teacher. She later had twin boys and was a stay-at-home mom. She is now the mother of three, a wife and the owner of three striving businesses. She is also a member of the National Association of Professional Women, the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce and the Madison Chamber of Commerce.

“Any success you have, you have to give back to the community,” Austin says. As a result, she serves on the board of directors for Dress for Success Metro Jackson. Each month, her store raises money for different charities. One of her favorite charities is MadCAAP (Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty), a non-profit organization devoted to combating poverty in Madison County. She also works for breast cancer awareness and the Leukemia Association. Recently, her store collected more than 2,000 bras for breast cancer awareness. She says if people know of a special need, then she tries to help.

—Diandra Hosey

tration and Finance, she continued her work with the firm on the administrative business level.

“That was how I intermarried my interests of both health care and business,” Wray says. “I believe health care is a business.”

Wray is an expert in regulatory compliance, risk management, corporate communication, professional practice, nursing and health care.

She has held leadership positions in the National Federation for Republican Women and the Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women.

“Our hope is that we will make an impact on the betterment of state government and people,” Wray says.

When she is not traveling or working, she thoroughly enjoys her down time. “I work hard, so I play hard,” Wray says.

“Playtime” for Wray is time at the beach and

the spa and after hours chatting with coworkers over “adult beverages,” as she puts it.

Recently, she was in New Orleans for the Republican National Leadership Conference. In July, Wray travels to Indianapolis to run for president of the National Black Nurses Association.

Wray enjoys meeting new people and experiencing new parts of her fair city. Particularly, she enjoys the different humors and “cheekiness” of the people that she meets on a daily basis. “You can’t keep Jacksonians down,” she says.

Wray’s daughter Tamika, 29, is in her provision year in the Junior League of Jackson. Wray and her daughter will be the first African American mother-daughter duo integrated in this organization—a milestone for the state, the League and Wray.

— Jordan Lashley 17

Elaina Jackson

D

espite the fact that Elaina Jackson had no acting experience, she won a state acting competition and went to nationals when she was a senior in high school—an experience that gave her confidence to pursue a theater career. But her knack for writing and communicating led her to a degree in mass communications.

“I still love theater, but when I started taking mass communication classes … I realized I wanted to tell the news, be a part of what was happening and help people get the information they needed,” Jackson says.

The 29-year-old Jackson native has worked as a producer for Channel 3 and 16, an on-air

Michelle Austin

I

f there is a treasure chest of secrets to owning a successful business, you can find it in the possession of Michelle Austin, owner of Repeat Street in Ridgeland. A native of Cleveland, Miss., Austin spent much of her time as a young girl going to auctions and flea markets with her grandmother, who owned an antique store.

“I took my hobby and turned it into a business,” she says. “I’m antiqued and flea-marketed.”

Austin opened Repeat Street in October 2006. With an eclectic mix clothing and furniture, Repeat Street is the largest consignment store in the Jackson area and was ranked 2010 Best Consignment in Mississippi by Mississippi

Rita Wray

R

ita Wray is tough, to the point and focused.

She also loves to have fun. Last summer, she was one of the participants in Mississippi Opera’s fundraiser “Dance with the Stars.”

Wray has been the deputy executive director of the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration since 2004, where she has direct management responsibility for three offices.

A native of Florence, Ala., Wray holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama, a certification in nursing administration from the American Nursing Administration and a master’s degree from Jackson State University. A former practicing and administrative nurse, Wray founded W.E. Inc., a national independent health-care consulting firm, and she serves as chairwoman of the board of directors.

When she took her position with Adminis-

jacksonfreepress.com

ShaWanda Jacome Allison Muirhead Diandra Hosey Courtesy Rita Wray

Jan Mattiace

July 6 - 12, 2011

Courtesy Rachel Jarman

Courtesy Karla Elmore vázquez

Courtesy Noel Didla

Courtesy JoAnne Hartley

7th Annual JFP Chick Ball

18

July 9, 2011 http://www.jfpchickball.com

JoAnne Hartley

A

ll her life, JoAnne Hartley has helped people, advising women on making lifestyle changes and making sure those women get the counsel they need.

“I feel like women should look out for our own,” she says. “It’s a blessing that I have a career that is catered to the community. I have the sort of clientele that, if I know someone needs help, I know I can provide it.”

Hartley, 52, owns Molecules Salon in Madison, where she helps provide haircuts and clothing to women in need.

Often, she takes things out of her own closet, or from her network of friends and clients. “I’m in a position to let good people know what other

people need, and they’ll do it,” Hartley says.

After reuniting with elementary school classmate, Patti Culpepper, Hartley became involved with the Maeap Children’s Home in northern Thailand. Culpepper founded Maeap to help prevent child prostitution by taking in children at risk. Its mission is to heal, restore and train the children, helping them live full, healthy lives.

In her salon, Hartley gives Thai purses for a $25 donation. In her first month, she raised about $1,200. Her goal is to raise $1,000 every month for Maeap. “It’s a fabulous project,” she says. “The influence one person can have on a community, just by word of mouth, is amazing.

This is a unique gift of love.”

Hartley grew up in south Jackson, where her parents worked hard to have nice things for her and her three sisters. Her parents pushed their daughters to be independent, work hard, and earn wealth.

In her 33 years styling hair, one of the greatest compliments she ever got was from a battered woman hoping to make a lifestyle change. “She said, ‘JoAnne, you treated me as if I was a rich client,’ and I thought, why would I treat anyone differently because of their financial status?”

“You are worthy no matter what. I am a big believer in the American dream. If you can work hard, you can make it.”

—Sadaaf Mamoon

She earned her master’s in English literature at Nagarjuna University in India before moving to Mississippi where she is now working on her executive doctorate in urban higher education at Jackson State University. Didla first became interested in Jackson while working on an international project and decided to move here. Now she is a proud Jacksonian.

“I see so much potential in the young people. There are intelligent people,” she says, emphasizing with her hands, “and I am proud of the progression they’ve done in Jackson.

I want to see Jackson united by diversity. I know it can be.”

She glows when she talks about her job: “The challenging part is that I have to teach students how to read, how to write and how to speak. I push them to excel through their weaknesses.” Didla’s class objective is to “build a global network of people of color to work and progress.”

Didla is the mother of an 8-year-old son, and has organized and attended at least a dozen seminars and programs. She has raised awareness about HIV/AIDS, organized support groups for international students and led seminars for female entrepreneurs.

— Callie Daniels

as her native Spanish, helps bridge the language gap between clients and the judicial system. “Language can be a problem for a lot of people,” she says. “I am like a referee. I keep relations smooth, and I help people understand each other.”

After growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, Vázquez attended the University of Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, where she graduated with a degree in international law. At 21, she was one of the youngest people to ever become a licensed attorney in Mexico.

In 2005, she came to the U.S. to study English and law at Mississippi College. Soon after, she met her husband, Nathan H. Elmore.

Vázquez’s dedication to her work and the

Hispanic community has earned the firm the designation of legal adviser to the Mexican Consulate in New Orleans. She is also president of the Mississippi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The attorney says she owes her success largely to her parents. “I come from a family that had next to nothing,” she says. “My parents taught me that if you can work and study hard, you can really be someone.”

Vázquez lives in Jackson, a city she’s in love with because of its diversity. She believes Mississippi has a long way to go, however. The Hispanic population will keep growing, she says. Her goal is to keep people working together in peace.

—Sadaaf Mamoon

work—Mississippi. She took a full-time job in the institute’s education department when she finished her fellowship. At 24, she has already curated her first exhibit in Brookhaven.

“Basically, there were two Jews left in Brookhaven, and they had this neat old temple,” Jarman says. Hal Samuels, representative of the Temple B’nai Shalom congregation, donated it to the Lincoln County Historical Society to use as a museum with the stipulation that it would include a Jewish exhibit. Jarman chose the artifacts for the exhibit and was there to explain the southern Jewish experience when it opened.

“I like to be the advocate and the educator,” she says. “I’m here, and I’m eating pork ribs, but

I’m still Jewish, and that’s kind of confusing to a lot of people. But usually people are just excited that I identify with a religion, and I make it my work. They get it.”

Jarman has found a permanent home in Jackson. She recently became engaged “to a nice Southern boy from Batesville,” and the two just bought a house in Fondren. “We decided to plant all of our roots in three months,” she says.

“It’s amazing; I have no fear about it.”

While her fiance, Chris Myers, grew up Christian, “he likes all the parts of Judaism that I like,” she says. Keeping the tradition and culture alive is important to the couple.

—Meryl Dakin

Noel Didla

“I

absolutely love Jackson,” proclaims the ever-youthful Noel Didla, an English professor at Jackson State University.

She says she will continue teaching there out of loyalty toward Jackson and its inhabitants.

Didla was born in Gunter, India. When she was 2, her father gave her English books.

He wanted her to learn English well because they had family living in America who would visit. She fell in love with the language. It is her third language after Hindu and her native Telugu, but she speaks as if it’s her first.

At 37, Didla has taught English for 15 years in India and the United States.

Karla Elmore Vázquez

K

arla Elmore Vázquez spends her days whittling away the language and social barriers between Hispanics and other ethnicities in the metro Jackson area.

Vázquez, a licensed attorney in Mexico, is a legal assistant and translator at Nathan H. Elmore and Associates, a Jackson law firm that handles serious personal injury, car accident, workers’ compensation, criminal and immigration cases.

The firm has a number of Spanish-speaking attorneys on staff, including Vázquez. They represent the Hispanic community in legal matters and provide them with opportunities previously out of reach due to language barriers.

Vázquez, who speaks fluent English as well

Rachel Jarman

F

our years ago, all Rachel Jarman knew about the south was that “the Civil War happened here, then the Civil Rights happened, and it was hot.”

The Connecticut native moved to Jackson right out of college for a fellowship at the Goldring-Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson. “I was this little Yankee girl coming in and learning about fried food and SEC football, and I ate it up,” she says. “After I bit into it, I knew this is where I wanted to be forever.”

After a Jewish upbringing and Hebrew school, Jarman became a religious-studies major at Brandeis University, near Boston, Mass. After graduation in 2008, she went where she found

Briana Robinson

Katrina Gibbs

K

atrina Gibbs is a lawyer who handles workers’ compensation and family law cases, and who also does a lot of work for domestic violence cases.

“She is a wonderful asset to our clients,” says Sandy Middleton, executive director of the Center of Violence Prevention. “She is willing and readily helps to take on pro bono cases.”

Gibbs, 42, works closely with the center to help women and families who are victims of abuse. The center calls her if legal work is needed but she is also available for advice.

“Women in difficult positions feel like they do not have a lot of resources or choices,” Gibbs

says. “They feel they have no one to help them. If they are courageous enough to protect themselves and their family, I want to help any way I can.”

Gibbs has been practicing law since 1993 and has an office in Jackson. A Pearl resident, she began working with the women at the center because of a church member.

“I really admire the ladies who work in Pearl because of their hard work,” she says.

Gibbs also finds time to reach out to youth.

She speaks and teaches at a Christian summer camp, coaches a community basketball team and spends time at different schools, speaking to the students. “I encourage them to dream big and ex-

cel,” Gibbs says of the young people.

She also is on the board for R.E.A.L., Rural Education and Leadership, a non-profit foundation that aspires to enhance Christian community-based ministries through economic and technical support. The support includes leadership and organizational development and mini grants for building and program development.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” Gibbs says about her career in the law. “To me, that was a way to help people who may not be able to help themselves, receive the justice they deserve, or afford an attorney.”

—LaShanda Phillips

Murphy says.

Murphy’s work has a positive effect. The children improve their grades. The program also hosts a monthly gathering for mentors and mentees. Last month, they had a party.

Even though its funding will be cut September, Murphy will continue the program.

“It’s important for a child to have a positive adult role model around them. It provides them with someone they can look up to and respect,” Murphy says.

The Ladybug Club began in her living room in 2005. What started as six girls has become a group of 47 young ladies learning the importance of etiquette, education, self-confidence, self-pro-

ficiency and working in their community.

“These are our future leaders. They are getting the skills that they need,” she says.

Mothers help organize some of the Ladybugs’ activities. Most of their funding comes from The Midtown Partners, a nonprofit organization.

Murphy believes the girls should understand their community’s investment.

“I want them to understand that nothing in life is free. The $3 monthly dues help them understand the importance of money,” she says.

“These ladies are the generations next nurses, teachers and leaders. I love it, and I’ll always do it.”

—Brianna White

5 percent of dentistry enrollments nationwide.

However, she wants young African American women and men to know her profession is not out of reach. She encourages them to network.

“It would be great to see more of us in those higher medical positions, because your practice is going to mirror who you are,” Watson says.

Word-of-mouth has helped to grow her practice, which she opened in 2007. She strives to provide full disclosure and keep the lines of communication open with patients.“What truly speaks to your character is if someone has been so thoroughly satisfied with the job that you’ve done and the experience they’d had, that they refer another person to you,” she says.

To give back to the community, Watson offers health fairs where she provides free dental screenings to children and adults. Watson has held three so far this year, with another coming up July 17. Watson says that dentistry impacts a person more than one might realize; it changes lives and restores smiles.

Watson is also an adjunct professor at Hinds Community College for their dental assistant program. She is married to Savante Stringfellow, and they have one child together, Landon Sean, and his three children from a previous relationship: Makenzi, Kennedy and Jalen. She credits her husband and mom as her biggest supports.

—ShaWanda Jacome

ShaWanda Jacome

Tonja Murphy

T

onja Murphy understands the importance of a positive role model in a child’s life. The Jackson native, 37, founded the Ladybug Club and is director of mentoring services of the Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi.

Both programs are major components of Murphy’s life, and are meaningful ways to make difference in her community.

At the Lutheran Episcopal Services, Murphy directs a program that pairs children with an incarcerated parent with a mentor. She actively recruits more children for the program.

“We go to schools, churches, any place where children are. We want to help more children, and let them know that this is available,”

Courtesy April S. Watson

April S. Watson

“I

f you take care of your patients, they will take care of you” is the motto April S. Watson, 33, follows in her private practice in south Jackson off Highway 18.

Watson, who holds a bachelor of biological sciences from Alcorn University and a doctor of dental surgery from Marquette University School of Dentistry, credits her upbringing as motivation for becoming a dentist.

“Growing up in Simpson County, you didn’t really see a lot of minority health-care professionals, she says. “… There was only one black physician.”

When she enrolled in dentistry school, Watson says that African Americans made up

July 16 2011

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jacksonfreepress.com

Available at F.Jones Corner, Lemuria Bookstore (Jackson), and Olivia’s Food Emporium (Madison)

19

JFP Chick Ball Auction Guide

July 9, 2011

http://www.jfpchickball.com

S

hopping never felt so good! The JFP Chick Ball will feature a silent auction on donated items to raise money for the Center for Violence Prevention. A definite highlight of the evening, the silent auction features amazing donations from fellow Mississippians. View our silent auction guide to get a sneak peak of what will be featured 6 p.m to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 9.

If you still want to donate, email chickball@jacksonfreepress.com or call 601362-6121 ext 16. You can also drop your donation off at Hal & Mal’s from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 9.

—LaShanda Phillips “Sweet Potato Queen #1” Tony Davenport

Framed black and white photograph Joe Williams Photograph

Gift Bag N.U.T.S./Good Samaritan

Earrings Abbott Jewelry by Hilda Abbott

Lauchlin Fields photograph H.C. Porter Gallery

Cuff Bracelet Renee Shakespeare

Framed photograph

Original Chick Art Lizzie and Emily (daughters of Marley Li of Fondren Nails)

Dress and bib in chick print

by Katie Cassady

Debbie Jo McGuire Assorted Jewelry

Framed photograph

Painting

Ron Blaylock, Blaylock Fine Art

Bracelet Tangle Boutique and Salon

Lisa Pyron of Eternal Body Art

July 6 - 12, 2011

“The Value of Love” painting Lisa Parenteau

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Katie Robert silver dress PG27 by Jonteá Luckett

Raku vase circa., Urban Artisan Living

Jewelry set Stella Jewelry by Caroline Crawford

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21

22

July 6 - 12, 2011

JFP Chick Ball Auction Guide

July 9, 2011

http://www.jfpchickball.com

Sweet Potato Queens Gift Package Jill Conner Browne Signed copy of book, “Chronosia” Glen Stripling

Indiana Jones collectible action figure Heroes and Dreams

Gift Basket with family membership Jackson Zoo

Set of hand-appliquéd towels Quirky Finch by Savannah Perry

“What’s in your Heart?” on wood Leslie Aldridge

“Thomas Jefferson on Wine” (signed) & Southern Living Cinnabar vase

Cookbooks Tony Parkinson

Assorted Jewelry EMK Designs by Emily Kamber

Teapot by Niel Hora

Mississippi Craft Center

Legre sunglasses Custom Optical

Kirastase hair products William Wallace Salon

Original prints

Break Neck Designs by Paul Buford

Homemade soap and crocheted washcloth Back to Nature

Necklace Carter Jewelers

Bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey Joe T’s Wine & Spirits

Assorted Jewelry Village Beads

Indian wall décor

jacksonfreepress.com

Nola Gibson

Mahgsh Nayah

Leather handbag and feather earrings The Shoe Bar @ Pieces

23

JFP Chick Ball Auction Guide

Framed photographs One Blu Wall (Christina Cannon and Howard Barron)

Ceramic “CHICKS” Pam Johnson

“Mama Said, Mama Said” Patti Henson

Necklace Nina, Jane Love by Ann Blackwell

Milestone Christian Bookstore

Painting Nicole Wyatt

Framed photographs Kat and Mouse Designs by Katherine Mitchell

Organic cotton shirts The Green Room

Signed copy of “Haunted by Atrocity”

Hurricane platter, Pearl River Glass

Painting on wood Anthony DiFatta

Paintings Michele Campbell

Laura Mercier gift package Maison Weiss

Artwork and pottery

Painting

Necklace Lipstick Lounge

Gift basket

Abstract paintings

Tote with $25 books gift certificate

July 6 - 12, 2011

Ben Cloyd

24

July 9, 2011

http://www.jfpchickball.com

Gift basket (purse, bracelet and earrings) Prissy Katz Boutique/Vantashi Wilks

Studio

Lambfish Art Co. by Joey Young

Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company

Ayla Mitchell

Mary Ann Wells

25

jacksonfreepress.com

JFP Chick Ball Auction Guide

“Chillin” acrylic on canvas,

Art by Renee Gallard

Latasha Willis

Donated by David Waugh

Nature bag gift basket

“Beyond Belief” copper-plate etching

Fair Trade Green/Karen Parker

daniel johnson

July 9, 2011

http://www.jfpchickball.com

Handcrafted scarves James Anderson the Scarvin’ Artist

Yellow enamel earrings and pendant set

Framed photographs

Art

Jeff Sanders

Lil McKH Jewelry

Heavenly Design by Roz Roy

Concrete Bowls Studio 2 Concrete by Andy Hilton

Photograph transfer on hardwood

Artwork

Aromatherapy eye pillow and wrap

Women and men’s gift baskets Angelio Hughes, Mary Kay Cosmetics

“The Great Chick Queen” collage

L-Max gaming system & Home decor

Gift basket

Fay Schievelbein

Mateo Jacome

Kira Cummings

Mike and ShaWanda Jacome

BearCreek Herbals by Leslie Puckett

Coffee Roastery

July 6 - 12, 2011

2011 JFP Chick Ball Auction Guide Gift Certificates (It’s not too late o donate! Email chickball@jacksonfreepress.com or call 601-362-6121 ext. 16)

26

Manicure gift certificate, Fondren Nails Gift certificate, Brent’s Drugs $100 gift certificate and “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life” book Gift certificate for shellac manicure, Classy Tips Gift certificates for brunch at Sophia’s and mani/pedi at Nomi spa, Fairview Inn Gift certificate for classes, Joyflow Yoga Gift certificates, Fatsumo Sushi

Gift card for relaxing facial, Body Anew Medical $100 gift card, Pure Barre Two season tickets, Mississippi Opera/ Sherry Bayer Set of writing classes gift certificate, Donna Ladd Gift certificate for fitness assessment and 5 personal training sessions, LiveRightNow/Terry Sullivan: Gift certificate for free tattoo, Eternal Body Art

Gift certificate for portrait sitting, Ron Blaylock of Blaylock Fine Art Two gift certificates for salon services, Gloss salon Signed copy of “Haunted by Atrocity”, Ben Cloyd $200 gift certificate, Russell’s Executive Hair and Cosmetics Four $25 gift certificates, Mangia Bene Inc. Restaurant Management Group $150 gift certificate, Brown’s Fine Art $50 gift certificate, Rainbow Grocery

$50, 30-minute Swedish massage, KOSMOS $50 gift certificate, Cool Al’s $20 gift certificate, Lemuria Books $20 gift card, Sneaky Beans $25 gift certificate, N.U.T.S./Good Samaritan $35 gift certificate, Sassy Cakes by Tonya Rivers Two orchestra tickets for “SPAMALOT,” W. Kessler LTD/The Best of Broadway: $25 books gift certificate, Milestone Christian Bookstore in Pearl

Tattoo gift certificate, Black Diamond Tattoos (Jason Thomas of the Ink Spot) Gift certificate, Betsy Liles Studio/B. Liles Fine Art Jewelry Gift certificate, Frock Fashions Fashion styling gift certificate, Meredith Sullivan Hair services gift certificate, Natural U $75 gift certificate, Shesabettie/Jennifer Graves Gift certificate for a hand-drawn pet portrait, Talamieka/Brice Media $100 gift certificate, Molecules Salon

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F

ollowing a childhood incident in which he encountered a police officer with a terrible attitude, Sgt. Reginald L. Cooper vowed that he would become a police officer himself and would never behave like the officer he met that day.

“A first impression can be an everlasting impression,” Cooper says.

To this day, Cooper, a Byram resident, upholds his vow in his work against domestic violence. He strives to handle domestic-abuse cases more firmly and devotedly than he has seen other officers do.

A native of Tchula, Cooper came to the metro area as a student at Jackson State University. His career began in 1999 when he saw an article looking for Jackson Police Department recruits. During his career, he has worked for police departments in Jackson, Yazoo City and Byram.

As a police sergeant, one of Cooper’s primary duties is his work on domestic-violence cases. He approaches the cases with a firm hand and a desire to see that justice is carried out in full. Cooper says a serious problem is victims changing their minds after contacting authorities, dropping

Courtesy Byram Police Department

7th Annual JFP Chick Ball Hero of the Year: Sgt. Reginald L. Cooper

When Sgt. Cooper found out he is this year’s Hero of the Year, he felt it was the greatest honor he has ever received.

charges, and getting back together with their abusers, only to be abused again.

He says that the majority of domestic-abuse cases in rural areas involve repeat offenders who are never brought to justice

because their victims do not press charges.

Many officers, upon encountering a victim refusing to press charges, simply file a report and leave, doing nothing more to help the victim and leaving them open to future abuse.

Cooper is determined to be different and not make it easy for repeat abusers to evade justice. He does not simply give up on a difficult victim and does everything in his power to get them the help they need.

“It was hard for anyone to come to me wanting to drop charges. It’s not easy with me,” Cooper says. “I was 100 percent for not dropping any charges.”

Cooper treats domestic abuse as seriously as he would an aggravated assault or homicide case. Whenever he worked a domestic-violence case, he took pictures, checked medical records, collected statements from witnesses, the victims and the offenders, and made sure he had everything he needed to prosecute the case.

His approach to handling these cases sends a message to any would-be abusers that there is someone out there who won’t make things easy for them.

Men of Character

“The domestic-violence rates went down because they knew someone was there who was serious about working those cases,” Cooper says.

The best way to stop domestic violence, Cooper says, is to not ignore or downplay it and to report any suspected cases of domestic abuse. Police are obligated to take action if there are obvious physical signs of abuse on the victim.

“If you ignore it, someone could lose their life, whether it be the victim or the batterer,” Cooper says.

For police officers handling these cases, he recommends always doing follow-ups to let the victim see that you care.

Give them a card with a number to call for help, and make sure they know their options-especially for victims who are financially dependent on their abusers.

Cooper wishes he could do even more than he has to stop domestic violence.

When he found out about this award, he felt it was the greatest honor and the biggest award he’s ever been nominated for.

It makes all his efforts worth it.

“I wish I had a second job just working domestic violence,” Cooper says.

courtesy aaron phillips

Owner of A Man’s Hands, Horner frequently parks his massage chair at Rainbow Whole Foods. He specializes in deep tissue and Swedish massages. Service: One-hour massage at Mississippi Medical Massage Therapy located in Highland Village.

Aaron Phillips

Jacksonians voted Wesley Brisendine as the best plumber in the 2011 Best of Jackson competition. Brisendine believes in the principle of helping those in need. He was featured as one of BOOM Jackson’s 2011 Young Influentials. Service: $400 toward a consultation and labor costs on mid-scale repair or renovation (parts excluded).

Kali Horner

Kali Horner, Jackson resident originally from Detroit, Mich., is a licensed massage therapist.

courtesy anytime fitness

Aaron Phillips is a freelance photographer whose photos are found in various places around Jackson, including in the pages of the JFP. The Mississippi State University graduate owns a studio and specializes in portraits, commercial photography and photojournalism. Service: Lifestyle portrait session with a CD of high resolution images from Wesley Brisendine Craig Robinson the shoot.

Sadaaf mamoon

28 Nepal, is a salsa instructor at Salsa Mississippi, a studio

Eddie Outlaw is the owner of William Wallace Salon, a hair salon in Fondren. Outlaw is a Jackson resident. Service: $250 toward hair services at the William Wallace Salon.

file photo

Johnson

Scott Albert Johnson, a blues musiEddie Outlaw cian, was born in St. Louis, Mo., but was raised in Jackson. The harmonica player is a Harvard graduate and received his master’s from Columbia University. Service: Two harmonica lessons and a copy of his latest CD, “Umbrella Man.”

Tate K. nations

Jaro vacek

Craig Noone is the owner of the downtown Jackson restaurant Parlor Market. He is a Jackson native who trained at the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin and in Italy. Service: Private dinner for two featuring a 5-course chef’s tasting with wine pairing.

Dinner will be held at the Parlor Market private event space.

Scott Albert

and club he and his wife established in 2006. He offers lessons to teach all levels of salsa to individuals who are willing to learn.

Service: Three private Latin-dance classes for a couple or single.

Christina cannon

parlor market facebook

T

July 6 - 12, 2011

by Dustin Cardon

by LaShanda Phillips

he JFP’s Chick Ball’s Men of Character live auction gives bidders a chance to compete for Jackson’s finest men while supporting a good cause. The men are donating the talents and services they are famous for, so expect high offers for these capable guys.

Craig Noone The bidding begins at 7:55 p.m.

July 9 at Hal & Mal’s.

Christine Whitton of Prestige Auctions will wield the auction gavel. Prestige Auctions is a full-service auction house that usually presides over estate and real estate auctions. The company also buys antiques from the general public for resale. All proceeds from the Men of Character auction will go to the Center for Violence PreSujan Ghimire vention to help end domestic violence in Mississippi.

Sujan Ghimire, originally from

July 9, 2011 http://www.jfpchickball.com

Craig Robinson is the owner of Olympus Fitness personal training studios, based in Jackson. Olympus Fitness services range from cardiovascular programs to corporate wellness programs, developed by certified personal trainers. Olympus Fitness works out of Anytime Fitness off Interstate 55. Service: Four training sessions.

Includes Drink & Choices of Fresh Vegetables

All for only

$7.98

Monday:Hamburger Steak Tuesday:Grilled Tilapia or Fried Chicken

Wednesday:Roast Beef Thursday :Chicken Diane or Grilled Pork Chop Friday:Meatloaf or Chicken & Dumplings

WEDNESDAY 7/6

Cary Hudson

Join us at Hal and Malâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this Saturday, July 9, for the 7th Annual Chick Ball. 100 Percent of the proceeds of Michelob Ultra sales during the Chick Ball with be donated to the Center for Violence Prevention.

(Southern Soul)

THURSDAY 7/7

Legacy

(Traditional Irish) FRIDAY 7/8

Shaun Patterson

(Classic & Southern Rock) SATURDAY 7/9

Hollywood & The Way to Go Band (Classic Rock)

SUNDAY 7/10

Service Industry Night 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.

MONDAY 7/11

Karaoke w/ Matt Open Mic with Jason Bailey

jacksonfreepress.com

TUESDAY 7/12

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30

July 6 - 12, 2011

7th Annual

JFP Chick Ball July 9, 2011 | 6:00 pm Cover $5 | 18+ Hal & Mal’s Red Room Chick Ball Schedule 6 p.m. Silent auction opens/welcome

8:10 p.m.: Awards for Best Dressed Diva

6:05 p.m.: Natalie Long and Clinton Kirby

(female) and Best Arm Candy (male); judged

6:35 p.m.: Spoken word by Katrina Byrd

by Eddie Outlaw and his style posse

6:50 p.m.: Pam Confer and Jazz Beautiful

8:15 p.m.: Presentation of

7:15 p.m.: Spoken Word by Poet of Truth

2011 Chicks We Love

7:30 p.m.: Singing River Trio featuring Laurel

8:25 p.m.: JFP Chick Ball Hero Award

Isbister, Valley Gordon and Melody Moody

Presentation to Sgt. Reginald Cooper

7:55 p.m.: Live auction of Men of Character Craig Noone, Parlor Market; Sujan Ghimire, Salsa Mississippi; Scott Albert Johnson, Musician; Eddie Outlaw, William Wallace Salon; Wesley Brisendine, Mr. Rooter of Jackson; Kali Horner, A Man’s Hands massage therapy; Aaron Phillips, Photographer; and Craig Robinson, Trainer (Olympus Fitness/Anytime Fitness off I-55 N.)

8:50 p.m.: Calico Panache 9 p.m.: Silent auction closes 9:25 p.m.: Lisa Palmer 10 p.m. until close: Time to Move

VIP Chick-a-BOOM reception, which honors the 2011 Chicks We Love, will be held in Hal & Mal’s brew pub, from 6 to 8 p.m. with music by Keeshea Pratt. All sponsors ($50+) are invited to this reception, with free food and drink.

Sponsorships still available: Imperial Highness $5,000 • Diva $2,500 • Goddess $1,000 Queen $500 • Princess $250 • Chick $50 To donate arts, gifts, money or volunteer 601-362-6121 ext 16 | chickball@jacksonfreepress.com For more information jfpchickball.com follow us on twitter @jfpchickball

jacksonfreepress.com

Thanks to all our sponsors ($250+): Patty Peck Honda, Donna Barksdale, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bank Plus, Diana Howell, Katie McClendon, and Sportique; and food sponsors Southern Beverage, Petra, Lumpkin’s BBQ, Ole Tavern, Country Fisherman Catering, Fratesi’s, Hey, Cupcake!, Sweet Stuff Sinsational, Social Butterfly, Noel Didla, Alecia Edney, Hickory Pit, Cake Pop Cuties, Beagle Bagel, Hal & Mal’s and Southern Beverage.

For a more detailed list, visit jfpchickball.com

31

Public schools do more than educate children. They measure a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride. They reflect community. They predict the social and economic well-being of a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future.

For 20 years, Parents for Public Schools of Jackson has worked to keep our public schools strong, to empower parents as leaders for positive change, and to engage community support of our public schools.

Join us. For our city. For our children.

For our future.

Mississippi Center August 6th at 9 a.m.

SUN SALUTATIONS

Benefitting The Center for Violence Prevention

+ FREE TRAINING SESSIONS! No experience necessary Information on classes below

Founding Chapter, Parents for Public Schools, 1989 200 N. Congress, Suite 500, Jackson, MS 39201

www.ppsjackson.org

Saturdays July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th 9:30 a.m.

408 Monroe St., Clinton 601-624-6356

Saturdays July 9th, 16th and 23rd 9:30 a.m.

Northeast YMCA 601-709-3760

July 6 - 12, 2011

Saturdays July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th 11 a.m.

7048 Old Canton Road 601-613-4317

32

Saturdays July 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th 12 p.m.

3025 North State Street 601-594-2313

Tuesdays July 12th, 19th and 26th 7:15 p.m.

665 Duling Ave. 601-209-6325

Wednesdays July 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 10 a.m.

408 Monroe St., Clinton 601-624-6356

Yoga for Non-Violence | mscvp.org

BROGA “yoga for bros” Intro-level class geared towards men but open to all. Great for current and former athletes.

Celebrating 20 years of Keeping it Local!

July 10, 1:30 to 3pm | $20

Thought about doing yoga but can’t drag yourself into a class of women who could probably kick your butt? Have household chores, channel-surfing, and thinning hair made you realize you’re not getting any younger? Do you want to get stronger, more flexible and improve your sex life?

- No Spandex Required! -

• Grooming • Boarding • Daycare • Specialty Foods

4136!Opsui!Tubuf!Tusffu!.!Gpoesfo!Ejtusjdu!.!712/6:5/3424

Up!Sfhjtufs!.!xxx/cvuufsà!zzphb/ofu!ps!dbmm!Tdpuub

T

PA I D A DV E RT I S E M E N T

Courtesy arden barnett

he saga of the Old West is long, filled with tales of pioneers travelling across the uncharted plains west of the Mississippi River. Among those early pioneers was a faction of African Americans who helped to write the story of the Old West. Of those early African-American pioneers came the story of real black cowboys: a mixed group of cowhands that included white and Mexican cowboys and many exslaves headed to Texas to work as cowboys.

Real Cowboy Association Honoring that tradition, the modernday cowboys of the Real Cowboy Association celebrate the history and heritage of the African-American cowboy and the skills they brought to the sport. On July 9th the Mississippi Coliseum will shake with the pounding of cattle and horse hooves and the roar of an expected sold-out crowd to witness the 9th Annual Jackson Mississippi Black Rodeo.

The Black Rodeo is a family-friendly event celebrating the skills of African-American cowboys, with modern rodeo stars and amateurs competing in events like roping cattle, bull-riding, and other events. The rodeo festivities also include a parade through downtown Jackson.

Rodeo producer Frank “Penny” Edwards came to the sport as an adult. “I didn’t know there were black cowboys. I was an adult when I went to my first black rodeo.”

Edwards, who is the founder of the Texas-based Real Cowboy Association, brought the Black Rodeo to Jackson first in 2003 along with Mayor Harvey Johnson, an avid horseman, to show others just how vibrant the cowboy culture can be.

In addition to being a dynamic and exiting event for any audience, the Black Rodeo plays an important role in its economic impact to Jackson. In 2010 the Black rodeo saw an attendance of just under 13,000 fans and had an economic impact of $1.11 million to Jackson.

Audiences of all ages will be thrilled with the non-stop action of this year’s Black Rodeo. With ticket prices at $16, it’s a fun, affordable event for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location or at the Mississippi Coliseum box office.

Looking for something fun, exciting, and out-of-the-ordinary for your post-holiday weekend?

Giddy-up and head on over to the Mississippi Coliseum to take a gander at a Real Cowboy.

jacksonfreepress.com

The Dog Wash

33

MUSIC p 38

Lines of Silver Amile Wilson

by Valerie Wells

Lil McKinnon-Hicks creates custom jewelry in her workshop.

T

July 6 - 12, 2011

orch in hand, Lil McKinnon-Hicks bends thin silver cords into earring wires. She drips metal until it forms a small ball. She hammers out bracelets and solders two metals to create necklace pendants.

Silversmith McKinnon-Hicks, 48, is in a black apron wearing a pair of dangling earrings that mimic a French Quarter balcony’s ironworks. She rents a workshop on the second floor of Hal & Mal’s in a space that was an old liquor storeroom.

Part showroom, part office, part science lab, this is the base of operations for Lil McKH Jewelry. She set up her alchemist’s dream here three years ago. To get up there, you have to ride an antique freight elevator with wooden gates.

She became a silversmith seven years ago. Before that, McKinnon-Hicks worked in advertising. As a freelance publicrelations and marketing professional with 20 years experience, she worked— among other projects—on Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange shows. She helped promote three of its big Mississippi Arts Pavilion exhibitions in Jackson, including the last one in 2004: “The Glory of Baroque Dresden.” It was exhausting work.

34 “I needed a break,” she says.

She wanted to treat herself by taking an art class. She intended to sign up for pottery at the Tougaloo Art Colony, but the pottery class was full. A beginning silversmithing class was open, though. The appeal to her was unexpected and sudden.

“I saw hammers, metal, tools—it was stuff I had never done,” McKinnon-Hicks says. “It just lit me up.”

Ken Bova, a Greeneville, N.C., jeweler, taught that class. “He just opened a door for me,” she says. Bova encouraged her to continue learning. He told her to find the local gem and mineral society. She found them and discovered the hobbyists taught free workshops.

McKinnon-Hicks keeps learning and experimenting. She likes to place stones and pieces of metal on the table and rearrange them until inspiration suggests a new piece of jewelry. She keeps little plastic bags of different colored stone combinations. Scraps of copper fill dozens of small, empty round wooden Brie boxes.

Brown paper accordion files sort silver wire by gauges and sheets of silver and copper by thickness. When inspiration strikes, she pulls out a bag or a box or a file and arranges pieces of metal and stone.

Most of the jewelry McKinnon-Hicks creates now is custom work. Through

word of mouth, customers come to her with sentimental ideas. Broken jewelry and forgotten heirlooms become new pieces of wearable art. Coins, cameos and river rocks turn into special gifts.

McKinnon-Hicks attends five or six art festivals every year to sell her jewelry under a tent. It’s not her usual mode of operation. Most weeks have a predictable pattern for the 1985 University of Mississippi graduate, who married Steven Wells Hicks 21 years ago. Mondays, she usually stays at their north Jackson home to focus on business paperwork. Tuesdays through Saturdays, she hammers and enamels in the workshop.

Lil McKH catalog jewelry—the pieces she sells online, in stores and at festivals—sells from $25 to $350. She watches silver prices daily. They’ve doubled over the past year.

“I can’t raise my prices that much,” she says.

McKinnon-Hicks is marketing her work in new ways. She’s introduced delicate keepsake jewelry for baby girls.

She’s developed “girlfriend gifts” that contain a positive word, such as “Believe,” on a card with a simple necklace. She’s brainstorming high-end pearl necklaces with striking cloisonné pendants. The cloisonné is a new skill.

Earlier this year, McKinnon-Hicks took an advanced workshop at William Holland School of Lapidary Arts in Young Harris, Ga., with a $500 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. For one week, she studied enameling with artist Christiana Tagliapietria of Ontario, Canada.

McKinnon-Hicks, who already creates enameled jewelry by cooking powdered glass in patterns on metal in a 1,600-degree kiln, says she learned in Georgia a more detailoriented enameling that is almost a lost art, including cloisonné techniques.

When she got back to Jackson, she applied her new skills. She had already made several blue-enameled guitar pendants shaped like B.B. King’s famous guitar, Lucille. A white Highway 61 sign was on each one. These were intended as gifts from the Mississippi Arts Commission to each honoree at the “Mississippi’s Celebration of its Grammy Legacy” event June 7 in Biloxi. Just back from the class in Georgia, McKinnon-Hicks created a special pair of cloisonné cuff links for B.B. King with lines of silver outlining the highway sign. MAC was pleased.

“They called back,” she says. “They wanted a pair of cuff links for all the artists.”

Comment at www.jfp.ms.

601-362-6383 Mary Zimmerman mhz2525@live.com

3 Must Haves for this year’s JFP “Chick Ball”

6A0=3E84F Shelter A M A LC O T H E AT R E South of Walmart in Madison

ALL STADIUM SEATING

Listings for Friday, July 8th - Thursday, July 14th Zookeeper

This Saturday is the 7th annual Chick Ball presented by the Jackson Free Press.

What a great way to come out and have fun this weekend as JFP auctions off a few guys—“Men of Character”—for their professional services to benefit the Center for Violence Prevention.

Now the big dilemma is what you are going to wear to this “A List” event. Here are three great ideas or must haves for you to be seen in at the Chick Ball: 1.) You can’t go wrong with a gingham shirt. Whether it’s orange, purple, blue, or red these are a must for summer!

Throw it on with jeans or shorts, wear it tucked or un-tucked, either way you’ll be looking good!

Make it a little easier on yourself and opt for some linen pants! Sure, they are going to get wrinkled but who cares, that’s the beauty of linen.

3.) Don’t forget about the seersucker.

When most people think of seersucker they immediately think of a suit or pants.

The truth is that seersucker is all over the board! It’s available in shorts, shirts, and even neckwear. Throw on a solid white or pastel color shirt with your seersucker and you’re dressed for the Chick Ball in style.

2.) With temperatures reaching near 100 degrees outside, you’re bound to get hot.

We welcome your questions and feedback on our Facebook page, @RogueMensStore on Twitter, or at therogue.com

PG

Cars 2 (non 3-D) G

Horrible Bosses R

Bad Teacher

Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3-D PG13

The Green Lantern (non 3-D) PG13 Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (non 3-D) PG13

Cars 2 3-D

R

PG

Super 8 PG13 Midnight In Paris PG13

Larry Crowne PG13 Monte Carlo

animals make loving pets & companions!

PG G

Hangover Part II R Bridesmaids

R

601-969-1631

www.msarl.org

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE DAILY BARGAINS UNTIL 6PM Online Tickets, Birthday Parties, Group & Corporate Events @ www.malco.com

Movieline: 355-9311

jacksonfreepress.com

pa i d a dv e rt i s e m e n t

35

BEST BETS July 6 - 13, 2011

by Latasha Willis events@jacksonfreepress.com Fax: 601-510-9019 Daily updates at jfpevents.com

Wednesday 7/6

roger leonard long

See the “Freedom’s Sisters” exhibit at Smith Robertson Museum (528 Bloom St.) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 14. $4.50, $3 seniors, $1.50 children under 18; call 601-960-1457. … Author Natalie Bell and Freedom Rider Thomas Armstrong speak during History Is Lunch at noon at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Bring lunch; call 601-576-6998. … Snazz plays at Fuego. … Poets II has music with DJ Cadillac and RPM. … The Supakidz host Wasted Wednesday at Dreamz JXN. … Jackyl performs at Fire at 8 p.m. $16.50. … Ladies Night with Hunter Gibson is at Olga’s. … Philip’s on the Rez has karaoke with DJ Mike. … Fitzgerald’s has music by Jazz Beautiful with Pam Confer.

“The Freedom Rides: Journey for Change” exhibit at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.) hangs through Oct. 31. Free; call 601-576-6850. … The play “Gold in the Hills” premieres at 7:30 p.m. at Parkside Playhouse (101 Iowa Blvd., Vicksburg); runs through July 30. $10, $5 children 12 and under; call 601-636-0471. … Zac Harmon performs at Underground 119. … Burgers and Blues has music by the Justin Moreira Trio and hosts a bean-bag-toss tournament. … Dreamz JXN hosts Can’t Feel My Face Friday. … Shaun Patterson is at Fenian’s at 9 p.m. … Poison Control Center and The Passing Parade play at Ole Tavern at 10 p.m.

Olde Towne Market in downtown Clinton is at 9 a.m.

Call 601-924-5472. … PAWS4FUN at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.) is at 10 a.m. Free; dog food and treat donations welcome; call 601-940-4949. … The Mississippi Black Rodeo is at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Mississippi Coliseum. Mystikal performs at the 8 p.m. show. $16; call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. … JFP’s seventh annual Chick Ball is at 6 p.m. at Hal & Mal’s. Proceeds benefit the Center for Violence Prevention. Enjoy local music, food, a silent auction and a Men of Character live auction. Natalie Long, Calico Panache, Time to Move Band, Jazz Beautiful with Pam Confer and more perform. The Chick-a-Boom reception for sponsors is from 6-8 p.m. Silent auction and cash donations accepted until day of event. Volunteers welcome. For ages 18 and up. $5; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16; visit jfpchickball.com; follow @jfpchickball.com on Twitter. … The roller derby bout between the Magnolia Roller Vixens and the Priskilla Presleys is at 7 p.m. at Jackson Convention Complex. $12 in advance, $15 at the door; $5 children; call 601-376-9122. … Good Paper plays at Cherokee Inn at 9 p.m. $5. … Kolectiv Rhythm performs at The Executive (333 N. Mart Plaza) at 9:30 p.m. $10; call 601-383-2275.

Tony Saldano’s exhibit at Fischer Galleries (3100 N. State St.) hangs through Aug. 31. Free; call 601-366-8866. … At circa. Urban Artisan Living (2771 Old Canton Road), Sami Lott’s trunk show is from 1-8 p.m. Free; call 601-362-8484. …

The Fabulous Fondren Freedom Fest, part of Fondren After 5, is at Duling Green (Old Canton Road and Duling Ave.) at 5 p.m. Free; call 601-981-9606. … Cherokee Inn has music by the D’lo Trio at 6:30 p.m. … Zac Harmon performs at Jackson State University, McCoy Auditorium (1400 John R. Lynch St.) at 7 p.m. $30; call 601-979-2055. … The reception for artist Roger Leonard Long at Cups in Fondren is at 7 p.m.

Free; call 601-853-7480. … The Civil Wars perform at Fire at

Art House Cinema Downtown at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.) features “MacBeth” at 2 p.m. ($16) and “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. ($7). Visit msfilm.org. … The Mississippi Gospel Music Awards at Jackson Marriott (200 E. Amite St.) is at 5 p.m. $20, $30 reserved; call 601-981-4035.

Monday 7/11

The Viking Classic tees off at 1 p.m. at Annandale Golf Club (419 Annadale Parkway, Madison) and runs through July 17. $20-$100; parking fee vary; call 601-898-4653; visit vikingclassic.com for a schedule. … Enjoy authentic Italian dishes at Underground 119’s Italian Night at 6 p.m. Prices vary; call 601-352-2332 to RSVP. … The Jackson Music Awards at Jackson Marriott (200 E. Amite St.) is at 6 p.m. $20, $30 reserved; call 601-981-4035. … The Blue Moon and Leinenkugel dinner at Sal & Mookie’s is at 6 p.m. $55; call 601-368-1919 to RSVP.

Tuesday 7/12

See the 3D film “Giselle” at noon ($8.50) or 7:30 p.m. ($12-$14) at Tinseltown (411 Riverwind Drive, Pearl). Call 601-936-5856. … The Women’s Fund Meet and Greet is at 5 p.m. at the Electric Building (308 E. Pearl St.). Free; call 601326-3001. … Pub Quiz at Hal & Mal’s.

Wednesday 7/13

Pastor C.J. Rhodes of Mt. Helm Baptist Church speaks at the Jackson 2000 luncheon at 11:45 a.m. at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). $12; email bevelyn_ branch@att.net to RSVP. … Tim Reynolds and Tr3 perform at 7:30 p.m. at Fire. $10.

More events and details at jfpevents.com.

Enjoy the silent auction, local cuisine and music at JFP’s 7th Annual Chick Ball at 6 p.m. July 9 at Hal & Mal’s. jert-rutha crawford

Thursday 7/7

July 6 - 12, 2011

Sunday 7/10

Friday 7/8

Saturday 7/9

The reception for artist Roger Leonard Long (self-portrait, above) is 7 p.m. July 7 at Cups in Fondren.

36

7:30 p.m. $15. … Ladies Night at Ole Tavern and Martin’s. … Legacy is at Fenian’s at 9 p.m.

jfpevents Radio JFP on WLEZ, at WLEZ 100.1 FM and wlezfm.com. Join Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer every Thursday from noon-1 p.m., where they discuss vital issues and play local music. This week’s guest is Sandy Middleton, executive director of the Center for Violence Prevention, who discusses the upcoming Chick Ball. JFP sports writer Bryan Flynn gives commentary at 12:45 p.m. Podcasts at jfpradio.com. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 17.

Seventh Annual JFP Chick Ball July 9, 6 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St.). This fundraising event benefits the Center for Violence Prevention’s programs in nearby rural areas. For ages 18 and up. Seeking sponsors, auction donations and volunteers now. More details: jfpchickball.com and follow on Twitter @jfpchickball. Get involved, volunteer, donate art, money and gifts at chickball@ jacksonfreepress.com. Be a sponsor for as low as $50. $5 cover; call 601-362-6121, ext. 16.

Fabulous Fondren Freedom Fest July 7, 5 p.m., at Duling Green (Old Canton Road and Duling Ave.). The patriotic edition of Fondren After 5 includes a children’s carnival, space jumps, a children’s parade and music. Free; call 601-981-9606.

An Evening with Zac Harmon July 7, 7 p.m., at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), in Rose McCoy Auditorium Proceeds benefit the Margaret Walker Center. $30; call 601-979-2055.

Magnolia Roller Vixens Roller Derby July 9, 7 p.m., at Jackson Convention Complex (105 E. Pascagoula St.). The team takes on the Priskilla Presleys. $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $5 children; call 601376-9122.

Jackson 2000 Luncheon July 13, 11:45 a.m., at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.).

Pastor C.J. Rhodes of Mt. Helm Baptist Church speaks on the topic “Jackson: City with Soul?

Toward a Beloved Community.” RSVP. $12; email bevelyn_branch@att.net.

Sun Salutation Training Sessions through July 30.

Learn to do sun salutations in preparation for the Yoga for Non-violence fundraiser for the Center for Violence Prevention Aug. 6. Participating yoga studios include Butterfly Yoga (3025 N. State St., 601-594-2313), Joyflow Yoga (7048 Old Canton Road, 601-613-4317), Mat Work Yoga and Pilates Club (408 Monroe St., Clinton, 601-624-6356), Northeast YMCA (5062 Interstate 55 N., 601709-3760) and StudiOm Yoga (665 Duling Ave., 601-209-6325). Times vary; call for details. Free; call 601-500-0337 or 601-932-4198.

COMMUNITY “History Is Lunch” July 6, noon, at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.).

Natalie Bell and Thomas Armstrong talk about their new book, “Autobiography of a Freedom Rider.”

Bring lunch; call 601-576-6998.

Mississippi Film Summit July 7-8. The opening reception is at 5:30 p.m. July 7 at Mississippi Film Studios (141 N. Union St., Canton); please RSVP. The conference is at 9 a.m. July 8 at Hinds Community College, Rankin Campus (3805 Highway 80 E.) in Muse Center; optional $10 lunch. Free; call 601-359-6624.

PAWS4FUN July 9, 10 a.m., at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). Activities include “Ask the Vet,” digital pet portraits, a microchip clinic and agility competitions. Donate dog food or treats to help local rescue groups. Free; call 601-940-4949.

Survival Spanish July 9-30, at Lingofest Language Center (7048 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland). Learn conversational Spanish from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Saturdays. $98, $30 materials; call 601-500-7700.

Viking Classic July 11-17, at Annandale Golf Club (419 Annandale Parkway, Madison). Watch PGA golfers compete, and chefs give cooking shows. $20$100, parking fees vary; call 601-898-4653.

Teacher Environmental Workshops July 11-14, at Clinton Community Nature Center (617 Dunton Road, Clinton), in Price Hall. CEU credits available; RSVP. $15-$30, call 601-926-1104.

Italian Night July 11, 6 p.m., at Underground 119 (119 South President Street). Chefs Brian Cartenuto and Tom Ramsey prepare authentic dishes. RSVP recommended. Call 601-352-2322.

Blue Moon and Leinenkugel Beer Dinner July 11, 6 p.m., at Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St.). Enjoy a six-course dinner paired with beers. Credit card reservation required. $55; call 601-368-1919.

Mississippi Technology Alliance Discovery Luncheon July 12, 11:30 a.m., at Ruth’s Chris Steak House (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 6001). Joe Plunk of Venture Technologies is the speaker RSVP. $25; call 601-960-3610.

Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Workshop July 12, 1 p.m., at Regions Plaza (210 E. Capitol St.), in suite 1000. Space limited.

Free; call 601-965-4378, ext. 10 or 11.

Women’s Fund Meet and Greet July 12, 5 p.m., at Electric Building (308 E. Pearl St.). The group celebrates the work of the Center for Violence Prevention and Mississippi First. Free; call 601-326-3001.

Grant Writing Workshop July 13-14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Mississippi Center for Nonprofits (921 N. President St., Suite C). $140, $80 for one day, $249, $149 for both days; call 601-968-0061.

STAGE AND SCREEN Mississippi Black Rodeo July 9, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.).

More than 300 cowboys participate in “The Baddest Show on Dirt.” Mystikal performs at 8 p.m. $16; call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.

Art House Cinema Downtown July 10, at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.).

“Macbeth” shows at 2 p.m. ($16), and “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” shows at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. ($7). Refreshments available. Visit msfilm.org.

Events at Tinseltown (411 Riverwind Drive, Pearl).

Call 601-936-5856.

• “Giselle” in 3D July 12, noon ($8.50); 7:30 p.m. ($14, $13 seniors and students, $12 children).

• “La Fille du Régiment” July 13, 6:30 p.m. $14, $13 seniors and students, $12 children.

Events at Parkside Playhouse (101 Iowa Blvd., Vicksburg). Call 601-636-0471.

• “Gold in the Hills” July 8-30, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. $10, $5 children 12 and under.

• “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” Auditions July 9-10, 2 p.m. Performances are Sept. 9-11, Sept. 16-18.

MUSIC Events at Jackson Marriott (200 E. Amite St.). $20, $30 reserved; call 601-981-4035.

• Mississippi Gospel Music Awards July 10, 5 p.m.

Recipients receive awards in 28 categories and a Pastor of the Year award.

• Jackson Music Awards July 11, 6 p.m. Hip-hop and soul artists receive awards in 32 categories.

Saturday Night Live July 9, 9:30 p.m., at The Executive (333 North Mart Plaza). Kolectiv Rhythm performs jazz, R&B, soul, pop and world music. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. $10; call 601-383-2275.

Kitty Cleveland July 10, 1:30 p.m., at St. Richard Catholic Church (1242 Lynnwood Dr.). The singer, actress and inspirational speaker performs in Foley Hall. Donations welcome; visit kittycleveland.com.

LITERARY AND SIGNINGS Weekly Storytime, at Campbell’s Bakery (3013 North State Street). Stories read Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. Free; call 601-362-4628.

Book Release Celebration July 9, 1 p.m., at Willie Morris Library (4912 Old Canton Road), in the conference room. Shelia Lipsey is the author of “My Son’s Next Wife.” RSVP recommended. $12 book; call savvybooks@yahoo.com.

“Civil Rights History from the Ground Up” July 12, 5:30 p.m., at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.). Emilye Crosby signs copies of the book. $26.95 book; call 601-366-7619.

CREATIVE CLASSES Jewelry Classes July 9-10, at B. Liles Studio (215 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland). Classes begin at 10 a.m. daily. Students should arrive 30 minutes early and bring a sack lunch. Reservation required. $125 plus daily $35 materials fee; call 601-607-7741.

Beginners Breakdance Workshop July 9, 2 p.m., at Salsa Mississippi Studio and Club (605 Duling Ave.). Choreographer Johnny Burgess is the instructor. $15; call 601-213-6355.

Thursday, July 7

Ladies Night Ladies drink free until midnight well drinks only Guys drink 2-4-1 well drinks and domestic beer until 10:00

Friday July 8th

DVDJ Reign Friday July 9th

Crossin Dixon

EXHIBITS AND OPENINGS Sami Lott Trunk Show July 7, 1-8 p.m., at circa.

Urban Artisan Living (2771 Old Canton Road).

Lott, a fashion designer, shows her latest creations.

Refreshments served. Free; call 601-362-8484.

“Despair to Destiny” July 7-Aug. 25, at Jackson Municipal Art Gallery (839 N. State St.). Anne Dennis’ exhibit includes art, poetry and personal letters. Opening receptions are at 5 p.m. July 7 and 1 p.m. July 10. Free; call 601-960-1582.

“Portrait Phenomena” Exhibit July 7-31, at Cups in Fondren (2757 Old Canton Road). See works by Roger Leonard Long. The July 7 reception is from 7-9 p.m. Free; call 601-853-7480.

Storytellers Ball Juried Exhibition Call for Entries, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). Artwork related to the 1980s acceptable. Submit up to three pieces for display Aug. 4-21. Confirm participation by July 8; submit by July 15. The opening reception is Aug. 4 from 6-8 p.m. Winners receive cash prizes and two tickets to the Storytellers Ball held Aug. 11. $25; call 601-960-1557.

Craftsmen’s Guild “Prepare to Qualify” Workshop July 9, 10 a.m., at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road, Ridgeland). Learn how to apply for guild membership. RSVP. Free; call 601-856-7546.

Pieces of the Past: Spoils of War through July 10, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). The rotating Civil War artifact exhibit features a 19th-century garnet necklace. Free; call 601-576-6920.

Print and Ceramics Showcase Call for Art through July 28, at The Commons at Eudora Welty’s Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). The gallery is looking for pieces to display in the annual Mississippi Print and Ceramics Showcase, which begins Aug. 5 with a 6 p.m. opening reception. Artists may submit up to five works via separate emails to jonathan@welty commons.com. Call 601-352-3399.

Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings. To add an event, email all details (phone number, start and end date, and time, street address, cost, URL, etc.) to events@jacksonfreepress.com or fax to 601510-9019. The deadline is noon the Thursday prior to the week of publication. Or add the event online yourself; check out jfpevents.com for instructions.

BE THE CHANGE Viking Classic Drawing through July 8. 12 winners receive prizes such as appliances, cooking classes and a travel package. Tickets must be purchased by July 8 to qualify for the July 17 drawing. Net proceeds benefit Blair E. Batson Hospital. $50 ticket; call 601-898-4653.

6107 Ridgewood Rd Jackson, Ms www.electriccowboy18.com

Revealing Heaven On Earth 8:30 a.m.

A Service of Word and Table 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School for all ages 11:00 a.m.

Worship Service Live Streaming at www.gallowayumc.org Televised on WAPT Children’s Church Ages 4-Kindegarten Nursery Available Ages 6 weeks-3 years

305 North Congress Street Jackson, MS 601-353-9691 English 601-362-3464 Spanish www.gallowayumc.org

jacksonfreepress.com

JFP-SPONSORED EVENTS

37

DIVERSIONS|music

Zac Harmon Blues

Myles Cast

JSU

V

oted Best New Blues Artist by XM Radio, Jackson native Zac Harmon certainly gets back to his roots in his music. Harmon’s cool blues sound is reminiscent of blues giants Elmore James, Muddy Waters and B.B. King.

“Music is my life, and I’m just committed to keeping American classical music alive,” Harmon says.

Harmon broke into his guitarist role during high school and college at Jackson State University, where he played with many of his elder contemporaries, such as Z.Z. Hill and Sam Myers. When he moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s, Harmon worked as a writer and producer, writing songs for R&B groups. Harmon produced tracks for Black Uhuru’s album “The Mystical Truth”, which also received a Grammy nomination in 1994.

Harmon completed his first blues project in 2002, with his “Live at Babe & Ricky’s Inn.” His 2004 band, the Mid South Blues Revue, won the title Best Unsigned Band at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge.

His next release, “The Blues According to Zachariah,” garnered national airtime in 2005. Harmon since has won a number of awards and released more CDs. Harmon has played in festivals around the world.

In 2007, he was named to the Blues

Natalie’s Notes

Courtesy Zac Harmon

J

ackson State University theater professor Yohance Myles is acting with Bruce Willis and rapper-turned-actor 50 Cent.

Filming of “Fire with Fire” began July 6 in New Orleans.

Myles, who began teaching at Jackson State in 2010, is a Birmingham, Ala., native. The 30year-old holds a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from AlaMyles bama State and a master’s of fine arts in acting from Louisiana State University.

His film and television credits include “The Royal Family,” “K-Ville,” “Revenge of the Bridesmaids” and “Treme.”

While teaching at JSU, Myles also was cast in New Stage’s production of “A Soldier’s Story” earlier this year.

Josh Duhamel and Rosario Dawson are also cast in the film.

by Sadaaf Mamoon

Zac Harmon returns home to Jackson for a July 7 concert at Rose McCoy Auditorium at Jackson State University.

Foundation board of directors. He also made his acting debut in 2009 in a major role independent film, “Black and Blue.”

Last year, the Mississippi Celebrates its GRAMMY Legacy celebration, with host Gov. Haley Barbour, honored Harmon. He won the Peavey Award for playing a significant role in developing and furthering Mississippi’s musical heritage.

Harmon’s fans know that the “American classical music” he refers to is none other than his signature beloved blues.

Jackson State University presents “An Evening with Zac Harmon” at its Rose McCoy Auditorium at 7 p.m. July 7. Tickets are $30. For information on Zac Harmon, visit www.zacharmon.com, or email him at lbd944@aol.com.

The Healing Power of Music

July 6 - 12, 2011

T

38

en years ago, my world was forever changed when my ex-boyfriend decided if I didn’t want to be with him, he would teach me a lesson by coming to my house, beating me and sexually assaulting me. That was the worst day of my life. Watching the police do nothing and letting this guy walk away from the scene of the crime because it was my fault for letting him in my home didn’t console me. Had it not been for my neighbors saving me from this horrific event, I wouldn’t be here today (Silky, Malcolm Ex, the Sabins—thank you. I’ll forever be grateful for you rescuing me.)

One night, my neighbors forced me to Hal & Mal’s to see this so-called country band Buffalo Nickel perform. Despite having PTSD from the assault, I went, and I’m glad I did. Something about their awesome chick singer, the late great Emily Graham, singing songs about heartbreak and redemption from a woman’s point of view, made me cheer up, knowing that at least someone got what I was going through. I

immediately became a fan and attended every Buffalo Nickel show because their songs spoke to me in a way that made me feel—well, safe.

The guys in the band were so friendly and took me in as one of their own. I bought every CD they made, often buying multiple copies because I’d worn out the other ones. Their music, their words, their sweethearts, everything they did, seemed to heal me in a way that no other abuse counselor or preacher could. I still find myself from time to time listening to their CDs and remembering where I was in my fragile state of mind when hearing those songs for the first time. It also reminded me of just how far I’ve come from those days of fearing that another attack would happen, the healing process from the physical and emotional abuse I endured for almost two years, and how much tougher the assault has made me over the years.

Had it not been for this band, I know I would have healed in some way, but I really think had it not been for the power of

Courtesy Natalie Long

by Natalie Long

Buffalo Nickel saved my life.

Buffalo Nickel’s music, I would surely still be hurting and trying to comfort myself in ways that may have been unhealthy.

If you’ve wondered why I put up my dukes when I feel I’m being put in a corner, now you know. So to my Buffalo Nickel’ers—Brad and Chris Clark, Steve Deaton, Emily Graham and Clinton Kirby—I want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your music with me at a time in my life when I was so broken and beaten, I

didn’t think I would ever recover. Thank you for giving this Bogue Chitto girl a chance to sing a song or two and making me feel validated, and not like some “piece of trash that no one will want” like my ex repeatedly told me. Thank you for sharing your wonderful songs that literally saved me.

The JFP Chick Ball begins at 6 p.m. this Saturday at Hal & Mal’s. I cannot reiterate how important and dear this event is to me. Did you know that I was the first-ever chick to perform at the very first Chick Ball in 2005? This year’s performers are Clinton and me, Pam Confer and Jazz Beautiful, the Singing River Trio (Laurel Isbister, Valley Gordon and Melody Moody), Calico Panache, Lisa Palmer, Keisha Pratt and Time to Move. It’s not too late to make a donation, so please email chickball@jacksonfreepress.com if you’d like to volunteer your time, make a donation of gifts or money, anything to help the Center for Violence Prevention.

Thank you for your support, and if you see me out, please say hello!

July 6 - Wednesday Ole Tavern - Karaoke Poets II - DJ Cadillac & RPM Pop’s Saloon - Karaoke Dreamz JXN - Wasted Wednesdays hosted by The SupaKidz Philip’s on the Rez - Karaoke w/ DJ Mike Olga’s - Ladies Night w/ Hunter Gibson Fitzgerald’s - Jazz Beautiful w/ Pam Confer Hal and Mals’s - D’lo Trio Time Out - Shaun Patterson Brady’s - Meagan May Irish Frog - Ralph Miller Fuego’s - Snazz Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer Fire - Jackyl 8 p.m. $16.50 Fenian’s - Cary Hudson 9 p.m. free Burgers & Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith Underground 119 - Bill & Temperance

July 7 - Thursday Cherokee - D’lo Trio 6:30 p.m.

Ole Tavern - Ladies Night Martin’s - Ladies Night Fire - The Civil Wars 7:30 p.m. $15 Fenian’s - Legacy 9 p.m. free JSU’s Rose McCoy Auditorium - An Evening with Zac Harmon 7 p.m. $30 El Potrillo, Madison - Larry Brewer 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Burgers & Blues - Kenny Davis & Shaun Patterson 5-9 p.m.

Dreamz JXN - Centric Thursdays: Angela Walls Underground 119 - Swing d’ Paris

July 8 - Friday Martini Room, Regency Martini Fridays 9 p.m.

Dreamz JXN - “The Green Carpet” 2nd Annual Cancer Bash Ole Tavern - Poison Control Center, The Passing Parade 10 p.m.

Underground 119 - Zac Harmon Fenian’s - Shaun Patterson 9 p.m.

Brady’s - Reed Smith Irish Frog - Meagan May Char - Larry Addison (jazz) Sam’s Lounge - Horse Opera Kathryn’s - Grosshart & Gains 7-10 p.m.

Martin’s - Seth Libbey & The Liberals 10 p.m.

Reed Pierce’s - Sonny Kane Band

Music listings are due noon Monday to be included in print and online listings: music@jacksonfreepress.com.

Hal & Mal’s - Jon Clark (rest.), Heath Forbes (RR) Burgers & Blues - Justin Moreira Trio/Bean Bag Toss Tournament Electric Cowboy - DJ Reign

July 9 - Saturday Martini Room, Regency Soulful Saturdays 6 p.m.

Cultural Expressions Gospoetry Brady’s Bar and Grill - Karaoke Sportsman’s Lodge - Shaun Patterson Cherokee Inn - Good Paper 9 p.m. $5 Char - Jason Turner (singer/ songwriter) 6 p.m.

Hal and Mal’s - Thomas Jackson Orchestra (rest.), JFP Chick Ball (RR and Big Room) $5, 18+ Ole Tavern - Dirty Bourbon River Show w/ Rooster Blues Sam’s Lounge - Human Like Me w/ Framing the Red Olga’s - Larry Brewer Martin’s - Flowtribe 10 p.m.

Reed Pierce’s - Evelle Fenian’s - Hollywood & The Way To Go Band 9 p.m. free Shucker’s - Renegade 3-7 p.m.

Burgers & Blues - Hancock Company 6-9 p.m.

Underground 119 - Fearless Four

July 10 - Sunday Cultural Expressions - Open Mic Poetry Night Hot Shots, Byram - Mike and Marty’s Jam Session Sophia’s, Fairview Inn - Knight Bruce 11 a.m. (brunch) King Edward Hotel - Howard Jones Jazz 11 a.m. (brunch) Fitzgerald’s - Andy Hardwick (brunch) 11 a.m.

Char - Bob Pieczyk (brunch), Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Burgers & Blues - Jason Bailey 5-9 p.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes (jazz brunch) 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Jackson Marriott - MS Gospel Music Awards: Troy Sneed, The Jackson Southernaires, Doug & Melvin Williams, Da Minista, Stan Jones, Patrice Wilson, Shay Harris, Calvin Saxxy, Edward Williams, Sherrie Hawkins, Hobb Brothers, Heavenly Wonders, Determined, The Lynch Street CME Dance Ministry 5 p.m. $20, $30 601-9814035

July 11 - Monday Hal and Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society 7 p.m. $5 Martin’s - Open Mic Free Jam Fenian’s - Karaoke Irish Frog - Karaoke Burgers & Blues - Karaoke 6-9 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn (jazz) 6 p.m.

Jackson Marriott - Jackson Music Awards: Bobby Rush, Mel Waiters, J Blackfoot, Ms Jody, Billy “Soul” Bonds, Vick Allen, Wendel B, Eddie Cotton, ML, Lou Writter and Recognition 6 p.m. $20, $30 601-9814035

July 12 - Tuesday Hal & Mal’s - Pub Quiz Burgers & Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith Fenian’s - Open Mic Ole Tavern - Elegant Trainwreck Presents: Cast of Comic Char - Larry Addison (jazz)

July 13 - Wednesday Dreamz JXN - Wasted Wednesdays hosted by The SupaKidz Ole Tavern - Ladies Night Poets II - DJ Cadillac Pop’s Saloon - Karaoke Philip’s on the Rez - Karaoke w/ DJ Mike Underground 119 - Baby Jan Smith & Chalmers Davis Fire - Tim Reynolds, Tr3 7:30 p.m. $10 Time Out - Shaun Patterson Hal & Mal’s - Singers/ Songwriters Night Brady’s - Emma Wynters Irish Frog - Gunter Cheatham Fuego’s - Snazz Fenian’s - Welch/McCann 9 p.m. free Burgers & Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith Char - Jason Turner

Send music listings to Natalie Long at music@ jacksonfreepress.com or fax to 601-510-9019 by noon Monday for inclusion in the next issue. Music listings must be received by the Friday before the next issue to be considered for Eight Days picks.

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Open for dinner Sat. 4-10pm

ALL SHOWS 10pm unLeSS nOted WEDNESDAY

7/6

ladies night LADIES PAY $5, DRINK FREE

THURSDAY

7/7

grateful

dead night wIth OtIS LOtuS

Thursday

July 7

LADIES NIGHT w/ DJ Stache

LADIES DRINK FREE

WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM

Friday July 8 Poison Control Center w/ The Passing Parade

$1.50 LONgNEcKS, $3 wELL DRINKS, $4 SELEct cALL DRINKS, $5 JAgERbOmbS FRIDAY

7/8

Saturday

July 9

Dirty Bourbon River Show w/ Rooster Blues

Monday

Seth Libbey & the LiberaLs

SATURDAY

7/9

July 11

PUB QUIZ 2-for-1 Drafts Tuesday

July 12

Elegant Trainwreck Presents:

Cast of Comic Wednesday

July 13

KARAOKE

Flowtribe

MONDAY

7/11

OPEN MIC JAM TUESDAY

7/12

MAtt’S lAte NiGHt KArAoKe

$2 MARGARITAS $1 HIGHLIFE & PBR 7/7 Wiz Khalifa – UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans 7/8 Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs – Live at the Garden, Memphis 7/12 Jack’s Mannequin, Steel Train, Lady Danville – House of Blues, New Orleans

Weekly Lunch Specials

214 S. State St. • 601.354.9712 dOWntOWn jAckSOn www.martinSlounge.net

w/ DJ STACHE Thursday July 14

LADIES NIGHT w/ DJ Stache

LADIES DRINK FREE

WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM

FREE WiFi Open Mon-Sat, Kitchen open Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm & Sat 4-10 pm

jacksonfreepress.com

livemusic

39

venuelist

Wednesday, July 6th

BILL & TEMPERANCE

THIS WEEK

(Bluegrass) 8-11, No Cover

WEDNESDAY 7/6

SWING DE PARIS

D’Lo Trio (restaurant)

FRIDAY 7/8

Ice for Eagles (restaurant) Heath Forbes (red room)

SATURDAY 7/9

Thomas Jackson Orchestra (restaurant)

Thursday, July 7th

(Gypsy Jazz) 8-11, No Cover Friday, July 8th

ZAC HARMON

(Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover Saturday, July 9th

FEARLESS FOUR

Chick Ball (red room/big room)

(Blues Funk) 9-1, $10 Cover

WEDNESDAY 7/13

NOW OPEN ON TUESDAYS

Singer Songwriter Night (restaurant)

Coming Soon FRI07.15: Dehlia Low (restaurant) THU 07.21: Morgan Jones, Andrew Fox & William Fox (restaurant) Stagolee w/ The Bailey Brothers (red room) FRI07.22: Amalgamation w/ ecompany (red room) SAT07.23: Swamp Babies w/ Wooden Finger (red room) THU07.28:T Model Ford (red room) FRI07.29:Munny & The Cameraman (red room) FRI08.05:Akami Graham (red room)

Monday-Thursday

Blue Plate Lunch with cornbread and tea or coffee

$8

25

As well as the usual favorites!

Seafood Gumbo, Reb Beans and Rice, Burgers, Fried Pickles, Onion Rings and Homemade Soups made daily.

Tuesday, July 12th

JESSE ROBINSON & FRIENDS starts at 7pm, $5 Cover, Limited Menu

Wednesday, July 13th

BABY JAN & CHALMERS (Jazz) 8-11, No Cover Thursday, July 14th

STRANGE PILGRIMS (Jazz) 8-11, No Cover Friday, July 15th

JESSE ROBINSON

(BLUES) 9-1, $10 Cover

Saturday, July 16th

$4.00 Happy Hour Well Drinks!

July 6 - 12, 2011

Swing by and let us quench your thirst with this fabulous summer special!

40

visit HalandMals.com for a full menu and concert schedule

601.948.0888

200 S. Commerce St. Downtown Jackson, Mississippi

KING EDWARD

(Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover 119 S. President Street 601.352.2322 www.Underground119.com

88 Keys 3645 Hwy. 80 W in Metrocenter, Jackson, 601-352-7342 Alamo Theatre 333 N. Farish St, Jackson, 601-352-3365 Alley Cats 165 W. Peace St., Canton, 601-855-2225 Alumni House Sports Grill 574 Hwy. 50, Ridgeland, 601-855-2225 Ameristar Casino, Bottleneck Blues Bar 4146 Washington St., Vicksburg, 800-700-7770 Beau Rivage Casino 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 800-566-7469 Belhaven University Center for the Arts 835 Riverside Dr, Jackson, 601968-5930 Black Diamond 5015 I-55 N., Jackson, 601-982-9437 Bottoms Up 3911 Northview Dr., Jackson, 601-981-2188 Buffalo Wild Wings 808 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 601-856-0789 Brady’s Bar and Grill 6720 Old Canton Rd, Ridgeland, 601-812-6862 Burgers and Blues 1060 E. County Line Rd., Ridgeland, 601-899-0038 Capri-Pix Theatre 3021 N. State St., Jackson, 601-981-9606 Center Stage 6550 Old Canton Rd, Ridgeland, 601-899-8842 Central City Complex 609 Woodrow Wilson Dr., Jackson, 601-352-9075 Cerami’s 5417 Highway 25, Flowood, 601-919-2829 Char Restaurant 4500 I-55, Highland Village, Jackson, 601-956-9562 Cherokee Inn 1410 Old Square Rd., Jackson, 601-362-6388 Club 43 Hwy 43, Canton, 601-654-3419, 601-859-0512 Club Metro Reloaded 4670 Highway 80 West, Jackson Club O’Hara 364 Monticello St., Hazlehurst, 601-894-5674 Congress Street Bar & Grill 120 N. Congress St., Jackson, 601-968-0857 The Commons Gallery 719 N. Congress St.,Jackosn, 601-352-3399 Couples Entertainment Center 4511 Byrd Drive, Jackson, 601-923-9977 Crawdad Hole 1150 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-982-9299 Crickett’s Lounge 4370 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-0500 Crossroads Bar & Lounge 3040 Livingston Rd., Jackson, 601-984-3755 (blues) Cultural Expressions 147 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, 601-665-0815 (neo-soul/hiphop) Cups in Fondren 2757 Old Canton Road, Jackson, 601-362-7422 (acoustic/pop) Cups in the Quarter 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-981-9088 Davidson’s Corner Market 108 W. Center St., Canton, 601-855-2268 (pop/rock) Debo’s 180 Raymond Road, Jackson, 601-346-8283 Diamond Jack’s Casino 3990 Washington Street, Vicksburg, 1-877-711-0677 Dick and Jane’s 206 W. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-944-0123 Dixie Diamond 1306 Washington Street, Vicksburg, 601-638-6297 Dreamz JXN 426 West Capitol Street, Jackson, 601-979-3994 Electric Cowboy 6107 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson, 601-899-5333 (country/ rock/dance) Executive Place 2440 Bailey Ave., Jackson, 601-987-4014 F. Jones Corner 303 N. Farish St., Jackson, 601-983-1148 Fenian’s 901 E. Fortification Street, Jackson, 601-948-0055 (rock/Irish/folk) Fire 209 Commerce St., Jackson, 601592-1000 (rock/dance/dj) Final Destination 5428 Robinson Rd. Ext., Jackson, (pop/rock/blues) Fitzgerald’s Martini Bar 1001 E. County Line Road, Jackson, 601-957-2800 Flood’s Bar and Grill 2460 Bailey Ave., Jackson, 601-713-4094 Footloose Bar and Grill 4661 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-9944 Freelon’s Bar And Groove 440 N. Mill St., Jackson, 601-353-5357 (hip-hop)

The JFP music listings are dedicated to founding music listings editor Herman Snell, who passed away in 2010.

Fuego Mexican Cantina 318 S. State St., Jackson, 601-592-1000 Fusion Coffeehouse Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-6001 Gold Strike Casino 1010 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, 888-245-7529 Grand Casino Biloxi 280 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, 228-436-2946 Grand Casino Tunica 13615 Old Highway 61 North, Robinsonville, 800-39GRAND The Green Room 444 Bounds St., Jackson, 601-713-3444 Ground Zero Blues Club 0 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, 662-621-9009 Hal & Mal’s 200 S. Commerce St., Jackson, 601-948-0888 (pop/rock/blues) Hamp’s Place 3028 W. Northside Dr., Jackson, 601-981-4110 (dance/dj) Hard Rock Biloxi 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-ROCK Hat & Cane 1115 E. McDowell Rd., Jackson, 601-352-0411 Hauté Pig 1856 Main St., Madison, 601853-8538 Here We Go Again 3002 Terry Road, Jackson, 601-373-1520 Horizon Casino, Mulberry Lounge 1310 Mulberry St., Vicksburg, 800843-2343 Horseshoe Bar 5049 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-6191 Horseshoe Casino Tunica, 800-303-7463 Hot Shots 6032 I-55 North, Byram, 601376-0141 The Hunt Club 1525 Ellis Ave., Jackson, 601-944-1150 Huntington Grille 1001 E. County Line Rd., Jackson, 601-957-1515 The Irish Frog 5o7 Springridge Rd., Clinton, 601-448-4185 JC’s 425 North Mart Plaza, Jackson, 601-362-3108 Jackson Convention Complex 105 E. Pascagoula St.. Jackson, 601-960-2321 Julep Restaurant and Bar 105 Highland Village, Jackson, 601-362-1411 Kathryn’s Steaks and Seafood 6800 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland. 601956-2803 King Edward Hotel 235 W. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-353-5464 Knokers Sports Cafe 4586 Clinton Blvd., Jackson Koinonia Coffee House 136 S. Adams St., Suite C, Jackson, 601-960-3008 Kristos 971 Madison Ave., Madison, 601-605-2266 LaRae’s 210 Parcel Dr., Jackson, 601-944-0660 Last Call Sports Grill 1428 Old Square Road, Jackson, 601-713-2700 Level 3 105 E. Capitol St., Jackson The Library Bar & Grill 120 S. 11th St., Oxford, 662-234-1411 The Loft 1306 A. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-629-6188 The Lyric Oxford 1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford. 662-234-5333 Main Event Sports Bar & Grill 4659 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-9987 Manda’s Pub 614 Clay Street, Vicksburg, 601-638-6607 Martin’s Lounge 214 S. State St., Jackson, 601-354-9712 (rock/jam/blues) Martini Room 420 Greymont Ave., Jackson, 601-969-2141 McB’s Restaurant 815 Lake Harbor Dr., Ridgeland, 601-956-8362 (pop/rock) Mellow Mushroom 275 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-7499 Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music 103 Magnolia, Edwards, 601-977-7736 Mississippi Coliseum 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson, 601-353-0603 Mississippi Opera P.O. Box 1551, Jackson, 877-MSOPERA, 601-960-2300 Mississippi Opry 2420 Old Brandon Rd., Brandon, 601-331-6672 Mississippi Symphony Orchestra 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, 800-8985050 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium 2531 N. State St., Jackson, 601-354-6021 Monte’s Steak and Seafood 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-362-8182 Mugshots 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-713-0383

North Midtown Arts Center 121 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, 601-497-7454 Okasions 1766 Ellis Avenue, Jackson, 601-373-4037 Ole Tavern on George Street 416 George St., Jackson, 601-960-2700 Olga’s 4760 I-55 North, Jackson, 601-366-1366 (piano) One Blu Wall 2906 N State St., Jackson, 601-713-1224 The Parker House 104 S.E. Madison Drive, Ridgeland, 601-856-0043 Peaches Restaurant 327 N. Farish St., Jackson, 601-354-9267 Pelican Cove 3999A Harborwalk Dr., Ridgeland, 601-605-1865 Philip’s on the Rez 135 Madison Landing Cir., Ridgeland, 601-856-1680 Pig Ear Saloon 160 Weisenberger Rd., Gluckstadt, 601-898-8090 Pig Willies 1416 Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-634-6872 Poets II 1855 Lakeland Dr., 601-364-9411 Pool Hall 3716 I-55 North Frontage Rd., Jackson, 601-713-2708 Pop’s Saloon 2636 Gallatin St., Jackson, 601-961-4747 (country) The Pub Hwy. 51, Ridgeland, 601-898-2225 The Quarter Bistro & Piano Bar 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-362-4900 Que Sera Sera 2801 N. State St., Jackson, 601-981-2520 Queen of Hearts 2243 Martin Luther King Dr., Jackson, 601-454-9401 Reed Pierce’s 6791 Siwell Rd., Byram, 601-376-0777, 601-376-4677 Regency Hotel Restaurant & Bar 420 Greymont Ave., Jackson, 601-969-2141 RJ Barrel 111 N. Union 601-667-3518 Roberts Walthall Hotel 225 E. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-948-6161 Sal and Mookie’s 565 Taylor St. 601368-1919 Sam’s Lounge 5035 I-55 N. Frontage Rd., Jackson, 601-983-2526 Sam’s Town Casino 1477 Casino Strip Blvd., Robinsonville, 800-456-0711 Scrooge’s 5829 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson, 601-206-1211 Shuckers on the Reservoir 116 Conestoga Rd., Ridgeland, 601-853-0105 Silver Star Casino Hwy. 16 West, Choctaw, 800-557-0711 Sippi Citi 2649 Livingston Rd, Jackson, 601-624-6521 (LGBT club) Sneaky Beans 2914 N. State St., Jackson, 601-487-6349 Soop’s The Ultimate 1205 Country Club Dr., Jackson, 601-922-1402 (blues) Soulshine Pizza 1139 Old Fannin Rd., Brandon, 601-919-2000 Soulshine Pizza 1111 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-8646 Sportsman’s Lodge 1220 E. Northside Dr. at I-55, Jackson, 601-366-5441 Stone Pony Oyster Bar 116 Commercial Parkway, Canton, 601-859-0801 Suite 106 106 Wilmington St., Jackson, 601-940-7059 Table 100 100 Ridge Way, Flowood, 601420-4202 Thalia Mara Hall 255 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, 601-960-1535 Thirsty Hippo 211 Main St., Hattiesburg, 601-583-9188 Time Out Sports Bar 6270 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, 601-978-1839 ToMara’s 9347 Hwy 18 West, Jackson, 601-502-8580 (pop/rock) Top Notch Sports Bar 109 Culley Dr., Jackson, 601- 362-0706 Two Rivers Restaurant 1537 W. Peace St., Canton, 601-859-9979 (blues) Two Sisters Kitchen 707 N. Congress St., Jackson, 601-353-1180 Under the Boardwalk 2560 Terry Rd., Jackson, 601-371-7332 Underground 119 119 S. President St., Jackson, 601-352-2322 VFW Post 9832 4610 Sunray Drive, Jackson, 601-982-9925 Vicksburg Convention Center 1600 Mulberry Street, Vicksburg, 866-822-6338 Walker’s Drive-In 3016 N. State St., Jackson, 601-982-2633 (jazz/pop/folk) Whistle Stop Corner Cafe 133 N. Ragsdale Ave., Hazlehurst, 601-894-9901

be a bit shocking. It will be sharply tonic, like good, strong medicine that has a pungent yet oddly delicious flavor you’ve never tasted before.

While listening to the sound collage radio program “Over the Edge” on KPFA, I learned that a new primary color has been detected. Quite different from red, yellow, or blue, it has its own distinct hue that’s impossible to describe. You really have to see it to appreciate its essence. The discoverer of this marvel is Dr. Wohan Squant, who has named the color “squant.” (Full details here: bit.ly/Squant.) I wish I could predict you’re about to create or find something equally revolutionary, Cancerian, but I can’t go quite that far. Nevertheless, you’ve entered a phase when you have the power to tinker with and even transform fundamental laws of your universe. So who knows? Maybe you’re on the verge of a shift almost as revolutionary as the discovery of squant.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

Are you feeling the sting of disappointment, railing at life for reneging on one of its promises to you? Are you in the throes of unleashing a great accusation, suffering the twisty ache that comes from having your pet theories disproved? Maybe you should consider the possibility that you are simply getting an opportunity to correct a misunderstanding -- that life isn’t being mean to you and you’re not being punished. I’d like to propose that you are, in fact, in the first phase of your healing. Listen to Bengali writer Rabindranath Tagore: “We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us.”

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

“The more one dwells on oneself,” says psychoanalyst Adam Phillips in his book “Going Sane,” “the more one is likely to suffer.” He thinks people need encouragement to avoid excessive introspection. “My project as a psychoanalyst,” he writes, “is to free them to not have to think about their lives so much.” While I feel he overstates the case, I do suspect his message would be good for you to heed in the coming weeks. For maximum success and robust mental health, take a generous portion of your attention off yourself and focus it on living your life with compassion, curiosity and concern for others.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

“One must choose in life between boredom and suffering,” proclaimed author Madame de Staël (1766-1817).

I beg to differ with her, however. As evidence, I present

the course of your life during the next few weeks. After analyzing the astrological omens, I expect you will consistently steer a middle course between boredom and suffering, being able to enjoy some interesting departures from the routine that don’t hurt a bit. There may even be pain-free excursions into high adventure mixed in, along with a fascinating riddle that taxes your imagination in rather pleasurable ways.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

I accompanied a friend and his family to a small fairgound where a local school was having a fundraiser. There were rides and games for younger kids. Right away we came to a challenging activity that involved climbing a ladder made out of rubber and coated with some slippery substance. One girl, about seven years old, was having a moment of rowdy bliss as she tried to ascend. “It’s impossible -- but fun!” she cried out to her mom. Your assignment in the coming week is to find an adventure like that: one that’s impossible but fun.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

“It is not always needful for truth to take a definite shape,” wrote Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. “It is enough if it hovers about us like a spirit and produces harmony; if it is wafted through the air like the sound of a bell, grave and kindly.” With this quote, I’m alerting you to the fact that a new truth is now floating into your world, Sagittarius. It’ll be misty and sparkly, yet somehow also decisive and lucid. It will comfort you and yours, but also

BY MATT JONES 51 “___ Como Va” (Santana song) 52 Surname in a Tim Allen Christmas movie 54 From Bangkok or Beijing 56 Number of trombones in an Urbie Green title 58 Granddaddy of fitness gurus Jack 60 Make pig noises 61 “Imaginary” number in a game show skit on the BBC’s “That Mitchell and Webb Look” 63 “Today” co-anchor Matt 64 Reggae performer ___-Mouse 65 ___-ball (arcade game) 66 “The king,” in Cancun 67 Like “haxored” and “pwn’d” 68 Olive and family from “Popeye”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

If there were a useful website with the domain name AmIAGoodPersonOrNot.com, I would advise you to go check it out. The same is true if there were websites like AmIAuthenticOrNot.com, AmIYummyOrNot.com, AmIEnlightenedOrNot.com, or AmIAGorgeousGeniusOrNot.com.

What I’m trying to tell you, Capricorn, is that this would be an excellent time for you to find out more about yourself from objective sources -- or any other kind of sources, for that matter. Solicit feedback, my beautiful darling. Ask for updates on how you’re doing.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

Ninety-six percent of all adults say they would change something about their appearance if they could. That statistic is one factor that leads philosopher Jonathan Zap to make this observation: “Suffering associated with body image has reached such epidemic proportions in our culture that it must be counted as one of the greatest spiritual plagues ever to be visited upon mankind.” That’s the bad news, Aquarius. The good news is that the coming months will be an excellent time for learning to be at more peace with how you look. I invite you to formulate a three-point plan that will help you come to a perspective in which you will love your body exactly the way it is.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

On her website Reuniting.info, Marnia Robinson reported on a discovery she made that may be useful to you. Wandering around a county fair, she went to a reptile exhibit where she encountered an animal trainer who had an alligator resting serenely on his lap. She asked him why the creature was so well-behaved. “I pet it daily,” he said. “If I didn’t, it would quickly be wild again, and wouldn’t allow this.” Apply that lesson in your own life, Pisces. Bestow regular tenderness and loving touch to the feral, untamed, primitive influences in your life -- including any that may reside within you.

“Numb & Number”--what do you mean they don’t exist?

Across

1 “If I ___ nickel for every time...”

5 Mine car 9 Chemistry 101 models 14 Off-base designation 15 Othello’s enemy 16 “Don’t Know Why” singer Jones 17 “I mean, isn’t she worth, like, a ___ dollars?” (line from the pilot of “Will & Grace”) 19 Rapper with the 2011 album “Detox” 20 Like Keats’ poetic urn 21 French Stewart’s response when asked to “write a number” in an SNL “Celebrity Jeopardy!” skit 23 Snake variety 24 Brand name yodeled in ads

26 ___ Lingus (Irish airline) 27 Rock’s ___ Speedwagon 28 Opera set in Egypt 30 Part of some Hogwarts classes 32 Go against 34 More, in Mexico 35 “Mazel ___!”

36 With 38-across, number of geese it took to supply feathers for “Grandma’s Feather Bed” 38 See 36-across 40 Outburst popularized in the 1990s 41 Rapper ___ Def 42 Comedian Lampanelli 45 Ancient area in modern Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey 48 Discard 50 Tokyo’s country, in Olympics shorthand

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

One of the greatest kings of the ancient Persian Sassanid Empire was Shapur II (309-379). Shortly after his father died, he was made king while still in his mother’s womb. Since he could not yet wear his crown, officials set it upon his mother’s pregnant belly. He ruled from then until the day he died, 70 years later.

I’m naming him your patron saint for the second half of 2011, Taurus. My sense is that the seed of some great accomplishment is already germinating within you.

It may take a while to be fully born, but I suggest we consecrate its bright future now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

I’ve got no problem with the real world. I spend a lot of time there, enjoy its chewy riddles, and take it quite seriously. But I also consider myself a militant lobbyist for all the Other Worlds -- the domain of everything that’s invisible to the naked eye and irrelevant to the schemes of the rational ego. These alternate realities consist of the unconscious, the dreamtime, the spiritual sphere, the intelligence of nature, and the realm of the ancestors. In my astrological opinion, you’re due for a major upgrade in your relationship with these dimensions in the next 12 months. Now would be a good time to get started.

Say “I love you” at least 15 times a day for the next seven days. Report your results to www.freewillastrology.com.

41 ___ Dew (rebranded soft drink) 43 Springer, e.g.

44 Building wings 45 Mess with someone’s hair 46 Book near a pew 47 Fix a bartending mistake 49 Packet at a drive-thru 53 Photographer Adams 55 “OK, if you ___...”

57 Peach or pecan 59 Med. student’s study

62 “___ Haw” ©2011 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com)

Last Week’s Answers

For answers to this puzzle, call: 1900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute.

Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #0520.

BY MATT JONES

Down

1 Country legend Merle 2 Scholarship recipient 3 Went to slumberland 4 She falls at the beginning of her story 5 Tequila on TV 6 Reason for saving 7 Earlier than now 8 March, but not walk 9 Leader between Brezhnev and Chernenko 10 Shredded 11 Trial 12 DC competitor, in the comic book world 13 Thin window curtains 18 Pre-euro currency 22 Twinkie maker 25 Small batteries 29 Response to an invitation 31 Stunt jumper Knievel 33 Frank Oz character 37 High science 38 Appear to be 39 Ballet great Vaslav

It’s my observation that women find it easier than men to tune into their natural rhythms. The menstrual cycle helps cultivate that ability. We men experience less dramatic physical shifts, and that seems to give us license to override messages from our bodies for the sake of ambition, laziness, or convenience. Having acknowledged that, I must say that I know men who are highly sensitive and responsive to somatic cues, and women who aren’t. Whatever gender you are, I believe that in the coming weeks it’s crucial for you to be acutely aware of what’s going on inside your beloved fleshand-blood vehicle. This is one time when you need to be intimately aligned with its needs.

Last Week’s Answers Q S C B U L L F I G A E N Y A R D A G E E R Z M S L Y L Y A D T E X P R E S S R I N T Y A C H T R E E N I U A R I S T O C R R C Y K

C V A H T I N G E R G W A T E R E U E D R E S S S L I N G O O O R G I O N S J K A T I C M E

“Sum Sudoku” Put one digit from 1-9 in each square of this Sudoku so that the following three conditions are met: 1) each row, column, and 3x3 box (as marked by shading in the grid) contains the digits 1ñ9 exactly one time; 2) no digit is repeated within any of the areas marked off by heavy lines; and 3) the sums of the numbers in each area marked off by heavy lines total the little number given in each of those areas. For example, the digits in the upper-leftmost square in the grid and the two squares directly beneath it will add up to 20.

Now do what I tell you -- solve!! psychosudoku@hotmail.com

jacksonfreepress.com

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

41

VASILIOS

AUTHENTIC GREEK DINING

M-F -, - S - C A

.. |  H M

Whitney Maxwell is the pastry chef at Parlor Market in downtown Jackson.

W 2003-2011, Best of Jackson

707 N Congress St., Jackson | 601-353-1180 Open 11am-2pm, Sunday thru Friday

hitney Maxwell has had a passion for cooking since she was a tot in her mother’s kitchen. A native of Jackson, the 27-year-old graduated from Ole Miss in 2007 and attended culinary school in California. Maxwell lives the life of a newlywed in northeast Jackson with her husband, Graves Maxwell. When she is not creating sweet culinary masterpieces, she runs, writes thank-you cards and plays tennis.

She joined the team at Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601-360-0090) and has been pastry chef there since its doors opened last September. She continues to develop delicious new recipes.

What did you study at Ole Miss?

Hospitality management. I knew I wanted to do some kind of event type of work or cooking. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen and helping. My first job was at Brent’s (Drugs in Fondren), and then I worked at Everyday Gourmet. While I was in college, I worked at a place called Emily’s Table in Taylor, Miss.

July 6 - 12, 2011

What made you decide to come back to Jackson to work?

I went to pastry school in California at the CIA, which is the Culinary Institute of America. It is in St. Helena, Calif., and I did

42

by Jordan Lashley

Sweet Thangs JORDAN LASHLEY

• Fresh Seafood Daily

dining

the baking and pastry program there right after I graduated from Ole Miss. I did that for eight months, and I knew absolutely no one. I did not have that core family connection that I had grown up with in the south.

So that is one reason I moved back. Also, the connections. I was one out of 500 at the CIA looking for a job in a kitchen. Whereas here, I knew people and had connections. It just made sense.

What is your favorite part of being in Jackson?

Well, it is my least favorite thing and my most favorite thing, being from here. You know, I love seeing people that I know everywhere I go. But at the same time, you want to be invisible and not run into some one (you know) everywhere you go.

It’s a love-hate relationship. But, it is more love than hate.

What do you enjoy most about being a pastry chef?

Probably trying to create new takes on old recipes. It is fun to see what different flavors you can play around with and see how it turns out.

Where do you get your inspiration and your ideas from for your pastry menu at Parlor Market?

I, personally, try to think of things that remind me of growing up and make them into a dessert.

We had an Arnold Palmer dessert two weeks ago, which was sweat-tea ice cream and a lemon bar with mint tea leaves. I won’t drink sweet tea, I always drink Arnold Palmer half-tea, half-lemonade. That is what my mom always made when I was growing up.

What is your favorite dessert?

The Strawberry Mason Jar Cake. I came up with the recipe and started making it when I was at Chimneyville (Barbecue Smokehouse) in Flowood from 2009 to 2010. It sort of evolved from there.

What are some tips or suggestions that you can give on how to make desserts healthier?

I would say focus on the natural sweetness of fruits. Use honey and maple syrup rather than sugar. It is more natural and less processed.

If I were to make a healthier version of a cake, I could use wheat flour and a healthier kind of oil.

WHITNEY MAXWELL’S SUMMER SOUFFLÉS 3 cups berries (sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries) 1/2 cup honey (preferably local honey) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon lemon juice Zest of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water 3 egg whites 1/2 cup superfine sugar

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium saucepan, combine berries with honey, vanilla, lemon and lemon zest, and bring to a simmer.

Stir in the slurry (the cornstarch and water mixture act as a thickener) and cook, stirring continually, until thickened, about one minute.

In a standing mixer, beat egg whites with wire whisk until they hold soft peaks.

Gradually beat in the superfine sugar in a stream and continue beating until glossy, stiff peaks form.

Fold in 3/4 cup of the berry mixture, leaving streaks in whites.

Spoon remaining berry mixture into six, 4-ounce ramekins.

Top with soufflé mixture.

Bake for six minutes or until golden on top.

Serve warm.

Eslavaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grille

6954 Old Canton Rd. Ridgeland, MS

601-956-5040

Seafood, Steaks and Pasta

Open daily 11 am-2 pm and 5-10 pm for dinner

By popular demand, we have added Shrimp Scampi to our menu!

All You Can Eat

CRAB LEGS DINNER 5p.m.-Close Tues-Thurs

Danilo Eslava Caceres, Executive Chef/GM 601-932-4070 tel 601-933-1077 fax

SUNDAY BRUNCH

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

A Metro-Area Tradition Since 1977

Lunch: Fri. & Sun. | 11am-2pm Dinner: Tues. -Sat. | 5pm-9pm

601-919-2829 5417 Lakeland Drive ~ Flowood, MS 39232

5A44 FX 5X

saturday July 9

Press Play 601 Starts at 9pm

Justin Moreira Trio 6:30-10:30p Bean Bag Toss Tourny

(Blues Band)

Mon - Sat | 2pm - 7pm 2 for 1 All Mixed Drinks

everything

Super Card

including Patron & all Top Shelf Liquors

$1 Off Draft & Wine and 50¢ Boneless Wings

4654 McWillie Dr., Jackson|Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10AM-9PM Friday & Saturday 10AM-12AM, Sunday 11AM-5PM

wed | july 6

Jesse â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guitarâ&#x20AC;? Smith 6:30-9:30p

Happy hour

JSU

july music

1428 Old Square Road in Jackson 601.713.2700 lastcallsportsgrill.com

7KDL DQG -DSDQHVH )RRG OLNH -DFNVRQ¡V 1HYHU ([SHULHQFHG

12: 23(1

7UHHWRS %OYG )ORZRRG 06 Â&#x2021; %HKLQG WKH $SSOHEHH¡V RQ /DNHODQG

So Chic

thur | july 7

Shaun Patterson & Kenny Davis 5:30-9:30p

fri | july 8

sat | july 9

The Hancock Company Blues Memphis/ N.MS 6:30-10:30p

sun | july 10 Jason Bailey 5-8p

mon | july 11 Karaoke

1060 E County Line Rd. in Ridgeland 601-899-0038 | Open Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight

Try The

4949 Old Canton Road | 601-956-5108

www.briarwoodwineandspirits.com NATHAN S. M C HARDY & LESLEY M C HARDY OWNERS & SOMMELIERS

(a very high-class pig stand)

Come Try the Best Bar-B-Que In Madison 856 Main Street â&#x20AC;˘ Madison, MS â&#x20AC;˘ 601.853.8538

jacksonfreepress.com

2481 Lakeland Drive Flowood, MS 39232

43

Capital City Beverages

F IND U S O N F ACEBOOK

M ISSISSIPPI â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S C OMPLETE B EER S OURCE

t

Now open under New Management

www.thepizzashackjackson.com

$ '#% '%#

July 6 - 12, 2011

!! WINNER !!

BEST PIZZA IN JACKSON 2009 - 2011

44

5046 Parkway Drive Colonial Mart Off Of Old Canton Road Jackson, MS 39211 Dine-In / Carry-Out

Mon - Thur: 11am-10pm Fri - Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am - 9pm

Still In Belhaven

601-352-2001 1220 N. State St.

(across from Baptist Medical Center)

CATERING AVAILABLE

M-W 11A.M. - Midnight Th - Sat. 11AM - 2AM Mon: Steak Special Tues: Bring your own cup and $5 drinks, you call it!

DJ Cadillac & DJ RPM Wed: 5 PM - 8 PM, Show your hospital badge and get your first drink free 9 PM - Midnight, Ladies drink free DJ Cadillac & DJ RPM Thur:7 PM Trivia night $50 bar tab to the winners. Karaoke with DJ Mike 9 PM Sat: Private Party (closed to the public)

1855 Lakeland Dr. Jackson, MS â&#x20AC;˘ 601-364-9411

Lunazul 100% agave anejo tequila ST 0LACE

7INGS IN *ACKSON

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(Next doortoMcDadesMarketExtra) Mon.- Sat.,10am - 9 pmâ&#x20AC;˘MaywoodMartShoppingCenter 1220 E.NorthsideDr.â&#x20AC;˘601-366-5676 www.mcdadeswineandspirits.com

jacksonfreepress.com

Always Drink Responsibly

45

Chick Ball Bling

If there is something you’d like to see on our FLY page, tell us on Twitter @FlyJFP.

by Meredith W. Sullivan

O

ften for special occasions, we’ll find the perfect dress but forget the accessories. Once again, y’all are in luck because jewelry is my thing. Where most people advise that less is more, my personal preference is that more is better. (My mother says it’s quite fitting, considering I idolized Mr. T when I was a kid.) The Chick Ball is this Saturday night, and I know you’ve picked out your dress already. But don’t forget to break out your bling!

Trina Turk desert flower ring, Treehouse Boutique, $85

Star cuff, Melisa’s Handcrafted Jewelry (Mississippi Farmers Market), $12

Yellow belt The Orange Peel, $6 Rhinestone bangles, Incense Salon & Boutique, $7.50 each

Fuschia bamboo hoops Lipstick Lounge, $60

Milly crystal drop earrings, Treehouse Boutique, $50

Large multicolored bangle, Incense Salon & Boutique, $18.50

Butterfly headband, Melisa’s Handcrafted Jewelry (Mississippi Farmers Market), $10

SHOPPING SPECIALS AQUA the Day Spa (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 102, 601-362-9514; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 8001, Ridgeland, 601-898-9123) Time for a pedicure? Go see the friendly AQUA staff and let them pretty your toes.

Where2Shop:

Incense Salon & Boutique, 2475 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-933-0074; Lipstick Lounge, 304 Mitchell Ave., 601-366-4000; Melisa’s Handcrafted Jewelry at the Mississippi Farmers Market, 929 High St., 601-214-1661; The Orange Peel, 422 Mitchell Ave., 601-364-9977; Treehouse Boutique, 3000 N. State St., 601-982-3433 Send sale info to fly@jacksonfreepress.com.

Mississippi Bees ( www.mississippibees.com) Find all natural honey and beeswax products at the Mississippi Farmers Market every Saturday and for sale on the website.

Pink Bombshell (270 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601-919-1366; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 5007, Ridgeland, 601-853-0775) The Bombshell Girl Search has begun! Keep an eye on the Facebook page for details.

Maison Weiss (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 109, 601-981-4621) Plan to stop in to see some of Eva Longoria’s favorite jewelry at the Claudia Lobao event July 12 and 13.

July 6 - 12, 2011

Sal & Mookie’s (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919) To reserve your spot for the Blue Moon and Leinenkugel Beer Dinner July 11 at 6 p.m., email maggieb@salandmookies.com. $55 per person.

Silver glitter wedges, Lipstick Lounge, $39.99

46

Check out flyjfp.com for information about other sales around the city, trends and various things fly people should know.

Prissy Katz 8FµWF (PU

New!

Aqua Terra Jasper Pendants 398 Hwy. 51 • Ridgeland, MS (601) 853-3299 • www.villagebeads.com

+VTU UIF Full-service salon dedicated to providing great customer service. We offer excellent services using products of the highest quality. Our mission is to promote healthy hair at an affordable price!

Stylist Needed Call and schedule an appointment.

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4IPF

GPS :PV Swinging Bridge Market 24 Holiday Rambler Lane, Suite 305 Byram, MS 39272 • 769-798-4049

Best Salon & Best Hair Stylist - 2010 & 2011 Best of Jackson -

Window Tinting -Commercial -Residential -Automotive -Graphics

Up to 5 Windows

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1935 Lakeland Dr. 601.906.2253

• Fall 2011 RTW Collection

Page 27

Authorized Window Film Dealer Prestige Dealer Network

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Katie Robert

With any Adult color,foil or Brazilian Blowout Service, kids 12 & under can receive a back to school haircut for $10 (limit 2 per adult) We also offer Express Foils for 13 year olds & up for $25!!

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KR Chain Bodysuit

Katie Robert Clothing Line Page 27 Showroom, LLC www. PG27.com 601-665-7290

Cupcakes for

ALL OCCASIONS! A Sweet Boutique

601.956.1199 Canton Mart Square

BARGAIN BOUTIQUE

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5070 Parkway Drive, Jackson

601.991.0500

Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm Sat 9:30am-5pm FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

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PG27.com • KR Button Dress

291 HW 51 Suite E4 | Ridgeland, MS 39157 601.707.5596 | www.solarcontroljackson.com

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Classifieds, page 11

ERASE YOUR File Bankruptcy

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Natural U Hair Salon

4795 McWillie Dr Suite 115 | Jackson MS 39206 www.naturalusalon.webs.com

GREEK & MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

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622 Duling Ave. #206 Jackson, MS in Historic Fondren 601-982-5313 Tues. - Fri.: 10a.m. - 7p.m.

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$20

Tattoo Special!!

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Byram MS, 39272 â&#x20AC;˘ 601-321-9040

2741 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS 601.366.0161 www.PetraCafe.net

Havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you always wanted to Belly Dance?

BELLYDANCE

NEW CLASSES

begin September 19

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For more info., call Millsaps College at 601-974-1130

Security Cameras â&#x20AC;˘ Attendant On Duty Drop Off Service â&#x20AC;˘ Free Wi-Fi 1046 Greymont Ave. (behind La Cazuela) CALL US AT 601-397-6223!

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Culberson Bail Bonds

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